Kolkata, Oct 13 (PTI) He is only 17 but India WorldCupper Abhijeet Sarkar wants job security that will help himsecure financial stability for his family.
"Every state like Manipur, Mizoram have given cashincentives in lakhs to the players. And Bengal is the home ofIndian football. We have done so much and I feel we alsodeserve to get something. I hope the state government helps usas well," Abhijit said after his arrival here today.
The three Bengal teenagers including Rahim Ali andJitendra Singh today returned home after India's historic U17World Cup debut.
The India No 10 had an impressive game against Colombiaand almost gave them a first half lead but missed the targetby a whisker, when his strike from an acute angle was blockedby Kevin Mier as they lost out 1-2.
"It's really disappointing that I missed the target. Iwill regret this miss forever. I gave my best but still missedout. I could not believe myself that I had missed it butthat's part and parcel of the game," he rued.
"But we played well (vs Colombia) and lost. It's a wayforward for the Indian football. The coach (Luis Norton deMatos) has given chances to everyone. The support staff ishappy with our performance," he added.
Abhijit also hoped he gets to play a big club in hisultimate aim to represent India seniors.
"Now it's time to graduate to the next level and play forIndia seniors but before that I would like to get a good club.
Also I am in search for a job now, my parents are old and it'stime that I look after them. It would be real help if thegovernment helps us."Abhijit's journey has started from Bandel as he took thearena by storm after his impressive performances for Indiaduring their European tour, where he scored against an Italianrepresentative side.
Remembering his hardships on how his childhood coachbought him a pair of boots, he added:"It's been a toughjourney to the World Cup. I have sacrificed many things sincechildhood. My parents and coach have supported me throughoutmy career.
"There was a time when I did not even have boots but mycoach bought it for me and supported me. I will never be ableto forget those days of hardship. Dad never said no even if hewas unable to afford something. I am grateful to my parents,"he concluded. PTI TAP KHSKHS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.