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The Indian Under-16 National Team is one big family. It’s a bunch of teenagers who are ready to give their “all” on the field under the guidance of their head coach Nicolai Adam. Ahead of the AFC Under-16 Championship 2016, AIFF Media ventured out to take a sneak peek into the mind of one of the teenagers. Here’s what Jitendra Singh had to say.
What prompted you to take up Football?
I felt a strong attraction towards the game since my childhood. My mother loves the sport and has always been a great supporter. She encouraged me to take up the sport. Unlike most other kids, I had no pressure from my family regarding playing Football and it eventually helped me to attain my dreams.
Have anyone else in your family ever played Football?
My elder brother has played for Eastern Railway (a Kolkata Premier Division Club playing in the IFA Premier Division League). He pushed me to give my best and eased off my anxiety. The rush of adrenaline is so much essential.
He was the one who introduced me to the Kolkata Maidan and I witnessed my first ‘Kolkata-Derby’ when I was just 10 years old. That was simply unbelievable, an electrifying atmosphere indeed!
How did you get an entry in the AIFF Academy?
It was in 2013 that I was spotted from the U-14 National Championships which was held in Kalyani. I was then selected into the AIFF Academy from trials which were conducted Robert Baan and Scott O’Donell. Later I was selected by Nicolai-Sir into the U-17 World Cup squad. I want to thank All India Football Federation for providing me with the platform.
How much influential has Nicolai Adam been?
Honestly, I’ve never seen such a hardworking and honest person in my life till date. We’ve learnt a lot from him and definitely there is a lot left to be learnt. He’s like our father away from the home. He’s a character who inspires all of us.
Nonetheless, everyone from the support staff treats us like their sons. They pamper us and they take care of every possible minute thing in our daily life. They always make us feel at home.
You all are together for more than a year now. Is it like your family now away from your home?
We all are like brothers. But there is always that healthy competition to break into the starting eleven. Nicolai-Sir always says that unless there’s a healthy competition, we won’t attain the next level.
How much are you looking ahead to the AFC U-16 Championship?
We are ready to take on our opponents them on. We feel that if we deliver on the pitch, we will be the Team to beat.
What does the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup mean to you?
It’s going to be dream-come-true for all of us. The best Players from all parts of the World would come to show their mettle and we have to fight for every inch.
But we’re not feeling any pressure. As Nicolai Sir always says, we have to enjoy the game. Once we put ourselves under pressure, we’ll crack. We’re enjoying every moment and we’ll continue to do so.
by AIFF Media
