Representing a Punjabi club for the first time an emotional matter: Bikramjit Singh
Having played for clubs across India and winning numerous trophies, veteran midfielder Bikramjit Singh will represent a team from his home state for the very first time as he dons the RoundGlass Punjab FC colours for the Hero I-League 2020-21 campaign.
“Honestly, had I retired without playing for a club from Punjab, it would have always pinched me for the rest of my life. At the junior level, I could not represent my home state much as I started playing for India at U-13 level and now, I count myself lucky and thank God that I have come into such a wonderful set-up with my new team.
“I hope for a good season ahead and wish from the bottom of my heart that I keep playing for this team till the end of my playing days if all goes well,” an emotional Bikramjit told www.i-league.org.
The 28-year-old, who hails from Gurdaspur in Punjab, is already a two-time Hero I-League winner with Churchill Brothers (2012-13) and Mohun Bagan (2014-15) and is determined and ‘hungry’ to complete a hat-trick in the upcoming season, which kicks off on January 9, 2021.
“Ever since I started my career, I have always been hungry every season to win trophies and earn the title of ‘champion’. It will always be my aim as long as I play. Jitna jeetun, utna kam hai (No matter how much I win, it’s never enough). This season, I hope that the whole team fights hard as a unit and wins the championship in the end,” Bikramjit declared.
Ahead of the upcoming challenge, the side from Punjab has roped in former Republic of Ireland international Curtis Fleming as head coach and have put together a formidable squad, consisting of the ‘right mix’ of senior and junior players.
“We have the right mix in our team. We have quality senior and junior Indian players, along with excellent foreigners. In every position, we have at least one senior and junior player, which is great for the development of young players,” the midfielder quipped.
He added, “A key ingredient in a winning team is teamwork and the atmosphere in our dressing room is perfect. There is an open environment where there is no difference between seniors and juniors, and everyone is comfortable with each other. As a senior myself, I see the young guys as my younger brothers and try to make them comfortable.
Bikramjit began his Hero I-League journey with the Indian Arrows all the way back in the 2010-11 season and according to him, the experience played a ‘massive role’ in his career and that facing his old team in the coming season will be an ’emotional’ moment.
“Indian Arrows have had a massive role in my life. It was a great step taken at the time and so many former Arrows players are now playing across the country. The team and that experience are close to my heart and playing against them now will be emotional. However, playing against a former team is a scenario I have faced many times before and as a professional, I am committed to giving 100% for my team,” Bikramjit stated.
RoundGlass Punjab FC have been training in Kolkata since early November under the COVID-19 guidelines and SOPs provided by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). With the players having returned from their respective homes due to the lockdown, Bikramjit feels that the team’s systematic training programme has enabled them to grow in fitness gradually.
He said: “This was the first time any of us had spent so much time at home at a stretch. I am delighted to see that the club is so professional and the training is so well-organized. The coaches and physical trainers have been working on us and slowly increasing the workload, and slowly but surely, all the players are regaining their fitness and confidence.”
CREDITS: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Lobera returns to face familiar faces as Mumbai City FC take on FC Goa tomorrow
Also Read: Fan Voice – Gaurs laud Igor, Brandon in draw against Bengaluru FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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 / 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…
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…