Young India gear up for ‘terrific challenge’ against Oman

DUBAI: There’s always a first to many things.

Against the backdrop of the pandemic where footballing activities in many a country haven’t kicked off as yet, the Indian Men’s National Team have been at a desert, or rather at an oasis, for over a week now (since March 15) – all for the forthcoming back-to-back International Friendlies against Oman (ranked 81) and UAE (ranked 74).

For a moment, let’s push the pandemic to the background. And when you do that, you discover another first. When have the Blue Tigers ever had a line-up of matches of such magnitude against such tough oppositions? Ever? You discover another first there.

Is that all?

The average age of the National squad under Head Coach Igor Stimac is currently just over 24 (below 25). 13 of them are below 25, including a couple who are barely 19. Another first?

At the training session, Head Coach Igor Stimac’s energy is infectious. He watches, he coordinates, he runs to explain and blows his whistle when needed. His wards wipe their sweat, listen and execute.

Akash Mishra, barely 19, quips: “It’s a terrific challenge for us. But there’s no reason that we can’t rise to the occasion.”

Jeakson Singh, another 19-year-old maintains: “Since the U-17 World Cup there have been ups and downs. This is a unique opportunity for me. I can’t let it slip.”

20-year old Lalengmawia a.k.a Apuia, the Emerging Player of the Hero Indian Super League 2020-21 adds: “The Hero ISL is in the past. I need to look ahead. If we do it together, football is easy.”

“They are good boys who are extremely talented. They are boys who can play and run without fear and pass with precision. My job is to guide them for Indian Football to develop forward together,” Stimac avers.

There’s a cool breeze which blows across the ground  — it’s pleasant. Speeding cars glide effortlessly at a distance with the bare minimum sound, an epitome of how automobile engineering has evolved over the years. You take a 360-degree view and there are rocky sands, lush green, swanky high-rises, and the sea at a distance. With its amazing infrastructure, Dubai certainly is leading the race to be dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world.

The training has gained intensity by then, the speed has increased. Suresh Singh is 20, Yasir Mohammad, Liston Colaco, Ishan Pandita and Dheeraj Singh are all 22. And then suddenly you discover that a certain Anirudh Thapa and Lallianzuala Chhangte, both at 23, are currently veterans in the team.

But even as the young guns with their dreamy eyes and twinkling feet get ready to take on the world, the Blue Tigers will be missing talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri owing to medical reasons.

“These are practice matches which will help us to be better. We have come together after such a long time. We need to grab this opportunity. It’s extremely difficult to plan such international matches during the pandemic as it’s so difficult to get out of the country. We are extremely grateful to the AIFF,” Thapa says in one breath.

Gurpreet Sandhu feels “it is a great opportunity to play against both Oman and UAE.”

“We have played against them so often and respect them as a team, as much as I feel they respect us. We have important games coming up in June and the timing of these Friendlies just couldn’t get better,” he adds.

‘Ironman’ Sandesh Jhingan, back in the squad after an injury lay-off, and stronger than ever argues that “Oman and UAE are not way ahead.”

“Everyone will agree that we need to play tough opponents. I can proudly say that we are almost neck-to-neck with them. The growth of Indian Football has been immense and it’s not that Oman and UAE are way ahead of us. In the past few games, they did get the better of us but the matches were extremely close,” he explains.

Amrinder Singh insists on the timing of the two matches. “As we are playing for the first time after November 2019, we need to test ourselves – both the newcomers and the rest. The matches will help us gauge where we stand at the moment. We need to stay focussed,” Amrinder, fondly referred to as ‘Paaji’ by all, expresses.

The match against Oman at the Maktoom Bin Rashid Stadium, Dubai will be played behind closed doors, the kick-off of which is at IST 7.15 pm (UAE time: 5.45 pm). The match will be telecast live on Eurosport.

CREDITS: AIFF MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: At average age of 24, fearless and young Blue Tigers move forward together

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

 

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share