CHENNAI: A balmy morning gave way to a hot afternoon as the glaring sun kept beating on the Nehru Park Sports Complex ground unabated. A small shamiana on one side of the ground is the only indication that an event is taking place. Young girls were kicking a ball around and raising din in the middle, oblivious to the heat and merciless sun.
Occasionally, shrill cries of coaches try to subdue their juvenile mirth. They are here to take part in U-14 and U-17 football tournaments under the Khelo India initiative.
In fluorescent green were young girls from Gujarat trying to eke out a win against Tripura. Their U-17 boys team has already created history by marching into the quarterfinals. They even managed to beat powerhouses Goa! On the sidelines, a man whose face looked familiar was pacing up and down quite animatedly. A closer look revealed the identity of the man — Tarun Roy, former India captain and respected coach. He is here as Gujarat’s coach.
The name of the state always evokes a kind of inquisitiveness. More so if the children are playing football and doing well. Gone are the days when they were thumped by 10 goals. The transformation has been brought about by meticulous programmes and initiatives in the state.
“The devil is in the planning,” said Roy, who has been the India women’s coach as well. But for the last two years, he has been in Gujarat. “I started taking charge of the team since last year,” he said. The state, not known for sport a decade ago, has suddenly started doing well. Interestingly, Roy has been asked to infuse talent at the grassroots.
What really amazed him was the government’s interest in sport. Not just football, the Sports Authority of Gujarat is concentrating on other sports as well, and has managed to get the services of sports stars like Gagan Narang (shooting) and PT Usha (athletics). They have even hired a Spanish coach for football.
“The state has some great infrastructure, and now they have started hiring good coaches,” says Roy. “Unlike in Bengal or Manipur, the players here come from a middle-class background. Parents are equally involved, and in fact there are counselling sessions for parents too. They are told what we expect of them and they tell us what they expect from us. So there is tremendous support from parents.” Apparently, Sandip Pradhan, DG of SAG, takes keen interest and checks the progress personally. “But we’re given a free hand. There’s no interference,” added Roy.
Not just grounds, Roy said, the hostels are very good too. “Quality of food is maintained, and the state offers attractive scholarships to deserving kids,” he noted. There, however, is a dearth of qualified coaches. Interestingly, SAG has taken care of that aspect too. “I’m conducting coaching camps for C-level coaches,” says Roy. “That way the number of coaches will increase. Perhaps, the Sports Ministry can take a cue from here.”
indraneel.das@newindianexpress.com