CHENNAI: He may only be 5’6, but Thoi Singh is the tallest man in Indian football right now. Four months after winning the Indian Super League in the blue of Chennaiyin FC, he is now an I-League champion in the blue of Bengaluru FC.
It’s not like the Manipuri was a backseat passenger on the Chennaiyin and Bengaluru team buses. Nobody made more tackles in the ISL this season, as Thoi did in his 16 appearances. He was the go-to man for Ashley Westwood as Bengaluru negotiated a tricky run of fixtures with an injury-hit team. Only in three I-League games did Westwood not call on Thoi.
“I can’t really express how happy I’m,” Thoi told Express.
“When you’re in a team and playing a competition, you’re in it to win it. So, to be part of two competitions in the country, and win them both in the same season, is a feeling few things can match. The tag of ‘champions’ is very addictive, and I’m enjoying every bit of it.”
To term Bengaluru’s title win a smash and grab would be most unfair, but there were times when it looked like Mohun Bagan were strolling to their second straight title. But not once, not even at the height of Bagan’s unbeaten run, did Thoi doubt his team’s chances. “Not once (did I doubt it). We knew they would stutter. We had to just keep doing our job well. It’s very difficult to go through a complete season unbeaten, and we knew Bagan would drop points. It was just about when. Meanwhile, we peaked when it was needed the most, and that’s what makes champions,” said Thoi.
The win was the best possible medicine for Bengaluru FC fans still smarting from Bagan pipping them to the title on the final day of last season. The 25-year-old is no different. “We were robbed at the end, and it was very hard for us all to take,” Thoi said.
“That moment, we knew the only way to erase the disappointment was by winning it the next year. And we’re glad we could do it in front of our fans.”
The season, though fruitful, was a gruelling one for Thoi. The question that confronted him in October was how hard it was going to be to juggle both the I-League and ISL. He now has the answer. “It’s very demanding,” he said.
“The schedules in both leagues are tight. There’s so much travel involved, and recovery is compromised sometimes. But that’s how it is. At BFC, we know what we’re in for, and we plan and train like that. But for players’ sake, I hope we can have one league. If you’re fit, you perform at your best and do yourself, your club and fans justice.”
With two trophies in the bag, Thoi would be forgiven for pulling up his socks and enjoying a few days off. But he is not having any of it. With the returning Federation Cup starting on April 30, the former Salgaocar man has the opportunity to complete a unique treble. But whatever the number of medals he ends up with, the midfielder believes his development curve has never been more steeper.
“I would like to believe I’ve improved significantly as a player. Ashley (Westwood) is a brilliant strategist, and always gives different roles for the same player, depending on the match situation. I’ve learned so much just watching,” he said.
Blue was indeed the warmest colour for Thoi Singh this season, as he won both the I-League & ISL, playing in the blue of Bengaluru FC & Chennaiyin FC, respectively. Express takes a look at the 25-year-old’s terrific season...
July 10, 2015 Thoi goes for big money in inaugural Indian Super League auctions. Chennaiyin splash `86 lakh on him making him the third most expensive buy of the day, behind only his BFC teammates Sunil Chhetri & Rino Anto.
October 3, 2015 Makes his ISL debut against Atletico de Kolkata but that ends in disappointment as Chennaiyin lose 2-3.
Nov 21, 2015 Puts in an eye
catching performance as Chennaiyin down Kerala Blasters 4-1 at home, creating Chennaiyin's third goal of the game.
Dec 1, 2015 Chennaiyin face Mumbai in difficult conditions with nothing less than a win required. Thoi assists two goals in an eventual 3-0 win.
Dec 20, 2015 Chennaiyin wins the ISL final for their maiden crown as Thoi finishes the tournament with the most tackles.
January 9, 2016 Thoi seamlessly makes the transition from ISL to I-League playing all 90 minutes in Bengaluru's I-League opener against Salgaocar.
March 9, 2016 The Manipuri makes his first AFC Cup start of the season against Johor Darul Taz'im. It ends badly for the Blues though who lose 0-1.
April 13, 2016 Thoi captains Bengaluru in a rousing 5-3 victory over Ayeyawady United which keeps the Blues’ Asian campaign alive.
April 17, 2016 Bengaluru wrap up their second I-League title with a 2-0 win over Salgaocar. Thoi stays on the bench on this occasion, but it is only the third time in the season that he has failed to play a part.