Shanmugam Venkatesh confident of positive results as Arrows resume Hero I-League campaign
The Indian Arrows have made the most of this two-month break with their training camp in Bhubaneshwar, despite Covid temporarily halting the Hero I-League, and are integrating new players into the team.
“I would like to thank the Odisha Government, they have made us feel very welcome and comfortable. Staying inside the bubble for such a long period of time is very challenging, especially for this young team. We did not take any break following the halt in the tournament and the players have cooperated really well with us. They know that this tournament will benefit this team and themselves in the future,” said head coach Shanmugam Venkatesh.
The current squad of Indian Arrows will be representing the country in the SAFF U-19 Championship and the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers later this year and Venkatesh is of the opinion that playing in the Hero I-League will help immensely in preparation for that.
“I feel that the Hero I-League is a physical league, and that is one of the major factors that benefit us. It is a big learning curve for the team and this is the stage for us where we will come up against senior teams from all age groups. Teams like Japan and other Asian countries can play a very physical game and we need to be up for it,” he said.
The likes of Himanshu Jangra, Macarton Louis Nickson, and others have been added to the Indian Arrows squad and Venkatesh is happy with their induction.
“All the players know the system of Indian Arrows and the Indian U19 national team. This is a great opportunity for the players here to prove themselves. The Indian Arrows is an open door for everyone. If we come to know any players are good for our team, the door is always open for them and they just have to prove themselves,” he said.
The Arrows held their own against TRAU in the opening game of the Hero I-League, drawing 0-0, and Venkatesh was happy with the performance.
“The boys gave their hundred percent on the field. Also, last year our approach was a bit different as it was more about gaining experience but this time, I think the boys just need to enjoy the game again. Also, the result is more important and the Indian Arrows is not just a developmental project. This time, I am confident we will get some fantastic results,” he asserted.
Midfielder Harsh Patre is in his second season in the Hero I-League with the Indian Arrows and he believes the team is more confident this time around.
“Last year was a good experience for me, but this year we are more confident about our game as a team. This is a great platform and opportunity for us. Being in the Indian Arrows team and playing in big tournaments such as the Hero I-League has helped me grow as a player and improve a lot,” he said.
“But this year, we are all looking forward to the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers,” continued Patre. “That’s the ultimate target as of now, to be able to rub shoulders and compete with the best in Asia, and hopefully qualify for the main tournament ahead.”
The Indian Arrows resume their Hero I-League campaign against Sudeva Delhi FC on March 4, 2022. The match will be broadcast Live on 1Sports and streamed live on the 1Sports Facebook page.
Credits – I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: AFC Executive Committee unveils dynamic enhancements to the AFC Club Competitions
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
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…