How young is ISL’s youngest Goal scorer?
Since yesterday, the talk around the Indian Football circuit is all about Gaurav Mukhi, the Jamshedpur FC youngster whose maiden goal in his debut ISL match brought the red miners back in to the game.
Just when it looked like Bengaluru FC would be coasting to victory and with Tim Cahill not working either, Jamshedpur FC brought in an unknown entity in Gaurav Mukhi as substitute with less than 20 minutes for play to end.
With less than 10 minutes left on clock, Mukhi outmuscled Serran to race into the box receiving Maria Arques’ chip before slotting it past Gurpreet Singh for the equalizer. There was more drama later on as Sunil Chhetri’s late goal was cancelled out by Cidecho’s injury time equaliser, yet the talk of the town was a certain 16 year old becoming the youngest ever to play and score in the Indian Super League. Indian Football had found a sensation or so it seemed??
He came off the bench to become the youngest player to ever play in the #HeroISL!
He left the field as the youngest goalscorer in Hero ISL history!
Now that’s one way to make a memorable debut! Gourav Mukhi, take a bow 👏👏👏#LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega #BENJAM pic.twitter.com/j4Pd1q8Gtp
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 7, 2018
As the Commentators and ISL Social Media handles began applauding the youngster with frequent youngest goal scorer post, one look at the so called 16 year old youngster with handlebar mustache and beard was all that needed to raise doubt. It didn’t take long for people to find this doubt worthy as multiple reports surfaced regarding the so called age discrepancy.
The first one was a telegraph article where the writer writes Mukhi to be a 28 year old Jamshedpur Reserves lad been promoted to senior side this season. This soon turned out to be unworthy source as the post was already claimed to have a typo back in September when it first came out. (Source: The telegraph report). However another article soon resurfaced that suggested that Gaurav Mukhi was one of the five players caught to be over-aged in Jharkhand’s U15 win back in the year 2015. Jharkhand was later stripped of their titled and fined Rs 1 Lakh. (Source: E.Pao)
Also Read: Jamshedpur, Bengaluru share spoils in an dramatic encounter
While Gaurav Mukhi doesn’t look like a 16 year old now he is not a 28 year old either, the above picture of the youngster was taken around 4 years ago.
Reports of Age frauds in Indian Football is not surprising anymore, Sport journalist have often come out with this news every now and then. However it is unfortunate that a lad, whose stellar performance in his debut game should have been the talking point as his age doing the same. Having born in poverty, there is a high chance of the boy not having any official documentation of his age and despite being caught by AIFF formerly for the same, ISL’s eagerness to promote its brand as the future of Indian Football as brought in an unnecessary attention.
The fact is Gaurav Mukhi is not playing any age group tournament and doesn’t look likes he would be anytime soon there was no need of ISL to push the lad as the youngest player without fact checking. It will be interesting to see what goes from here, surely ISL would not want to boast about it as frequently as they would have liked now that people are questioning its authenticity.
Nevertheless, one should not forget the performances of Gaurav Mukhi in yesterday’s game and what he could possibly promise to deliver in future
Also Read: Brilliant Goa gun down defending champions
Also Read: Probables for China friendly announced, 13 U23 players in the
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…