Mithun fan Tursunov shines, on Cloud Nine
KOLKATA: 9 seconds! That’s all the time TRAU’s Tajikistan striker Komron Tursunov took against Real Kashmir FC to score the fastest ever goal in an Indian top-tier League match. At the team hotel, Tursunov spoke to www.i-league.org about the 9 seconds wonder, the conglomeration of Indo-Tajik culture, Mithun Chakraborty being a heartthrob in Tajikistan, his stint in India so far, the Hero I-League, and much more. EXCERPTS:
Is 9 your favourite number?
(Laughs). You can say that. I used to wear No. 9 for my National Team. In fact, in my first match, I wore No. 9. My first goal for my country came in a No. 9 shirt.
When did you come to know that you have become the fastest scorer in Indian domestic football scoring in 9 seconds?
After the match, my teammates told me that it was the fastest-ever goal in Indian domestic league football.
What were your initial feelings?
Initially, I didn’t feel much. But after some time I gauged its magnitude and significance.
And you discovered that you made history.
(Laughs again) History repeats itself. Today if someone scores history, tomorrow someone else will. But I feel very proud that my name will be remembered by all the fans for some time at least.
Describe the goal for us.
As a striker, you get maximum 2-3 seconds or even less to make a decision. The Real Kashmir defenders were trying to close it down. I spotted a yawning gap and I had to finish it off. Had I delayed or looked around for a square pass, the goal would not have come. I went for it, and BANG. That it came so early is the biggest bonus.
Do you remember how many steps you took prior to the shot?
Steps? (laughs aloud). No idea.
Komron’s room partner Khaidem Vicky Meitei who was busy on his phone all this time lifts his head and mentions: “Such a great start to the season. The goal gave us huge confidence.”
Komron smiled.
What has been your impression about India so far?
People are very friendly here. India has been an integral part of everyone’s upbringing in Tajikistan. We sing songs, watch movies, and get to know the megastars.
Do you mean Bollywood?
Off course.
So who are the favourites?
Mithun Chakraborty is a heartthrob in my country. I am a big fan of his. The song ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ is an eternal favourite. Him apart, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are also very popular. Hindi songs are played all over in pubs, parties, clubs, family functions. We also watch a lot of Hindi channels. I can even speak some basic Hindi.
Why did you opt to play League football in India?
Sociologically, I feel at home in India. Kolkata is my second home. The love which I got from the fans here last season on my way to be crowned Hero I-League champions with Mohun Bagan will stay with me forever. The love and affection I get here make me special. The Hero I-League is special for me.
Football-wise?
The season in Tajikistan got over in November and will again kick-off in April. I didn’t want to sit idle for 5 months and hence, took up the offer from TRAU. I had a chat with Mr Phulen Singh (Hony Secretary, TRAU). I also had offers from quite a few other clubs. But if I am in TRAU, it’s because of him.
Did you get to know the Manipuri culture?
I was in Manipur for a month. I stayed in an apartment and didn’t get to move around. But the food in Manipur is too spicy. Vicky tried to make me taste it. But it is spicy. (Vicky laughs aloud).
How has your experience been in the bio-bubble?
The covid situation is scary. I hated the quarantine and at times the bio bubble proves too much to handle. We can’t move out. But I understand as to why it has been implemented. Without the bubble, we could not have even started the Hero I-League. Without the bubble, we maybe have all fallen sick.
We turn to Vicky and ask him: How is Komron as a person?
Komron quips: “Vicky is my best friend. All-day he and I spend so much time together. He looks like Jackie Chan. (both burst out in laughter). But I know Jackiechand Singh. He plays for the Indian National Team.
Vicky adds: “Komron is a good guy. Initially, there was some language barrier between us. But now we communicate well. He brings with him tons of experience and we are lucky to have him in the club. He trains very hard, and that gives out good emotions.”
Komron adds: “Apart from football I like tennis, watch movies and love to read books. In fact, Kibu Vicuna asked me to learn elementary English. He has had a huge influence on me. Biriyani is my favourite food.
In comparison to Mohun Bagan’s dream squad last season, where do you rate TRAU in this season?
The two are entirely different propositions. Bagan were the perfect blend of experience and youth. Here, all the players are young. They may go on to represent the Indian National Team in the near future. There are some really talented players in TRAU.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: The resurgence of Raju Gaikwad
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…