The boat is cruising

It seems just like other day. The summer of 1981. More than now, football was then the passion that ruled Kolkata's senses. And I wasn't immune to its charms.

My father has always been an avid football fan. Neither the scorching heat nor driving rain could stop him from watching football matches at the Maidan. So it wasn't surprising that as a 10-year-old, I was hooked to football. I could count on my fingertips the names of the players who represented Mohammedan Sporting, Mohun Bagan or East Bengal during those years.

It was my dream to watch a match at the Mohun Bagan ground. And it came true in 1981. We drove down from our home at Narkeldanga in North Calcutta to the Mohun Bagan ground. That was the first time I had set foot on the historic ground to witness a match between Mohammedan Sporting and Aryans.

Mohammedan Sporting won a thrilling match by a solitary goal scored by Kartick Seth. But I was captivated by the capacity crowds on wooden stands rooting for Sporting.

More than a decade later, a daily visit to the Bagan tent was to become a daily routine for me. Not as a fan but as a sports journalist. I followed the team practice, wait for a couple of interviews, and when that was over it was time for some fish fries, aloo dum, toast and a cup of tea at the Bagan canteen.

There were often animated and nostalgic discussions on the history of Mohun Bagan.

And what a history it is. In the winding streets of North Kolkata there existed a lovely bungalow owned by the Mitra family. That bungalow was known as Mohun Bagan Villa. It was in that bungalow where the roots of the greatest club in India grew. In 1889, Mohun Bagan club was formed. This particular street is now renamed as Mohun Bagan Lane. And it is a stone's throway from our ancestral place at Narkeldanga. A bare 6-7 kms from my place that I can stroll on the historic bylanes of Mohun Bagan Lane.

Eminent lawyer Bhupendranath Basu, who later on became the president of Indian National Congress was the first helmsman of the club which was then called Mohun Bagan Sporting Club. During its early days, Bagan captured the imagination of the people against British rule. Mohun Bagan's historic victory against East York in 1911gave them everything.

Soon the likes of Shibdas Bhaduri and others became household names after the triumph and the victory against East York gave a boost to India's freedom movement.
Until the end of the 20th century, Mohun Bagan would go on to win every major tournament in India some time or the other. But trouble started brewing in the early 1990s after the last elections and by 2004, the club had become a disgrace.
An institution that once united a race to fight against foreign rule, has now been reduced to a society of people with blinkered vision and overriding ambitions. Football and administration have been given the go by, and consequently the club has touched the nadir.

A player like Subroto Bhattacharya who played only for Bagan during his 17 year career, knows more about the club's politics than most people. Having coached Bagan to two National League titles and couple of other major trophies, Bhattacharya doesn't mince his words when it comes to politics in Bagan.

As I left Bhattacharya's office at Park Street, I came across another former Bagan player -- Prashanto Banerjee. One of India's finest midfielders, Banerjee, who led Bagan in 1988, says politics is ruining Bagan. 'The difference between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is that politics is less significant in East Bengal. But in Bagan it is dominant. That's the reason they are struggling."

Banerjee's argument has some logic. By 2004-05 Bagan had forgotten how to win. And there weren't many to cry over the club's misfortune. Mohun Bagan barely managed to save themselves from relegation in the last National Football League, but their humiliation was almost complete.

The green and maroon once epitomised tradition, fair play, dignity, virtues. But today they are missing. It can be recalled that in the 1970s a few footballers refused to take part in a tournament. But the then secretary Dhiren Dey declared that Bagan would field its groundsmen. That was the spirit and values the club stood for. That spirit seems to have vanished.

I also met Chuni Goswami. The living legend of Indian football was a loyal Bagan player who never changed his club. He too was distressed to see his favourite club struggle five years ago.

But now, it seems, the boat is cruising along well.

Thanks Karim.

(In Kolkata, 2005)

Indian team's London visit after 1948

For nine months of the year, August to May, they spend Saturday evenings watching Premiership matches on television. They've looked on enviously as the players there -- Beckham, Bergkamp, Zola, Gascoigne -- have become household names in India, while they remain virtual unknowns. It must hurt, more so when they see how even average cricketers are treated here.

So the Indian football team has a chance to redress that imbalance when it sets off over the weekend on its first-ever tour of the UK. The last time an Indian football team went to the UK was in 1948, when Dr Taliremen Ao led the newly independent country's first-ever Olympic campaign in London. They aren't under any illusions about the tour's status there -- they'll be playing two second-grade sides and the Bangladesh national team -- but just going to the game's spiritual home means a lot to them.

There's been a noticeable buzz at the pre-tour camp here that's just wound up. The camp itself was different to others of its ilk; no more monotonous sessions morning and evening with precious little in between. Here, players have spent their time watching videos of the latest matches, including the Euro 2000 games. The All India Football Federation has also, for a change, managed tapes of the two English sides -- Fulham and West Bromwich Albion -- the Indians will be playing on this tour. The videos are followed by debate and discussion, opinion and analysis.

The enthusiasm apparently rubbed off on the players, too. Unlike previous camps, at which conversation usually revolved around the awful food or the pathetic accommodation, the new mantra is `homework'.

Pradipda -- coach P K Banerjee -- wants his boys to eat, drink and sleep football. Much of the enthusiasm, in fact, stems from the constant chatter of the voluble, affable paterfamilias talisman of Indian football. Banerjee has seen more of football in his days as a star player and star coach than almost anyone else in the country; when he talks, the players listen, and the mood filters through.

Bhutia is, of course, the team's resident expert on what it's like to play in England, having completed a not-unsuccessful first season with Second Division side Bury. He's an anomaly, though, and that's the unspoken aim of this tour: To have the English watch Asian talent, which otherwise is largely unrepresented in the country. It's a long-standing grievance within the Asian community, for whom football is only slightly less important than the ubiquitous cricket. It's been the subject of an acclaimed book, Corner Flags and Cornershops, which makes the plea that Asians can be as passionate about the game as anyone else.

There are a million probable reasons for Indian football not achieving much success. There's a strong awareness among players and officials that this tour, or the next to Korea, will not change the face of Indian football. Nor will India leapfrog overnight from the dismal 115th place it occupies in the FIFA world rankings. They probably won't even be able to emulate the team of 1948, 1952 or 1956 or 1960 and play the next Olympics.

One thing is certain, though; when these boys come back, their attitude will be more positive and European football will be knocked a wee bit off its pedestal.

(In Patiala, 2000)

From Iran with a football passion

In the late 1970s and early 80s, this man was the most sought after striker in Indian football. Now, after his playing days are over, Iranian-born Jamshed Nassiri lives another life as a football coach in Kolkata. Nasirri speaks Hindi and Bengali like any Calcuttan. The City of Joy is now his home.

On any given day, Nassiri could be spotted at the Calcutta Football Club where he imparts knowledge of football to his wards. After his stint with Mohammedan Sporting early last year, Nassiri left for Duliajan in Assam where he coached Oil India Limited. But he couldn't stay there for long. He missed Calcutta dearly. Soon he came back to his 'home'.
"I like India. I found the culture and tradition common to Iran. It was a great experience playing in front of such a massive crowd. That's the reason I preferred to stay back here."

1979. I was barely 8-year-old then. It was not the age of Harry Potter. But of course, Tintin, Phantom and Lothar and Mandrake were there. They were my favourite pastimes. And there was one thing more.

The myriad football magazines which were so popular in Calcutta during those days. It was in one of those magazines (and I still possess those magazines which could be more than 100) that I saw Jamshed Nassiri for the first time. He didn't a sport a thick moustache then but still possess the same physique. He was clicked alongwith other Iranian players, Majeed Baskar and Mehmood Khabazi.

After 16 years, I happened to interact with this Iranian at the Mohammedan Sporting club premises. At that time he took over the reins of Mohammedan as a coach for a brief while. And still today, he looks like the same Nassiri as he was during his playing days. Elegant, fit and agile. Once when I had asked him to exhibit his 'headers' which once made him the most dangerous striker inside the 18-yard-box, Nassiri did it with same impetutiosity.

Though in the initial years it was only Majeed (a member of the Iranian World Cup team in 1978) who dazzled with his brilliant ball play and charisma, Nassiri incorporated his name in Indian football as one of the most devastating striker much later.
Probably the post 1982 saw Nassiri blossom into a devastating striker. Thrice he scored the match-winner in the successive Federation Cup finals and guided Mohammedan Sporting (1983, 1984) and East Bengal (1985) to triumphs. Nasirri played for East Bengal in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1985. His second Calcutta club was Mohammedan whom he joined in 1982, and stayed till the late 80s before he retired.

Nassiri came to India as a student along with Majid and Khabazi to study in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). But life had something else in store for him. Along with Majid, Nasirri soon started playing in Kolkata for East Bengal.
"Before coming to India, I was playing for Iran juniors. So it wasn't too difficult to carry on with football in India. And moreover, during the Varsity football tournament, I and Majeed scored a lot of goals. Our performance helped AMU win the title," Nassiri recalled those halcyon days.
"During the course of the tournament, some of the East Bengal officials were present and they had noticed our performances. And since a clutch of star footballers had left East Bengal in 1979, they wanted to build a decent side. The offer came instantly. And we also decided to take a dip in football crazy Calcutta."

After his retirement, Nassiri, who is happily married with his Indian wife and two kids in his modest apartment at Park Street in Calcutta, also left an indelible impression as a coach with Mohammedan Sporting and state team Maharashtra.

"If India is to reinstate its status as Asian power once again, it needs to focus on the talented players at the grassroot level," he said. The Iranian is focused to do something for Indian football. He firmly believes that for the development of football one needs to focus at the nursery level. Hence, he devotes his time and attention on the kids 'only' in the age-group of 5, 7, 9 at the Parsee Club in the Maidan.

(In Kolkata, 2005)

Enter the Dragon

Even though India and China have almost similar footballing history and geography the development of the game in two nations is contrasting

JUST drifting towards the east from the heart of Kolkata and one can discover a China. Located at Topsia near the Eastern Bypass, the place has an exotic name too - China Town. It’s a home away from home for hundreds of Chinese families whose ancestors docked their ships at Kidderpore a century ago. Though their DNA print might show the Calcutta Chromosome but umbilical chord still goes across the border.

And so last week when the Chinese dragon spread its tentacles to embrace soccer’s promised land — the 2002 World Cup — it was quite understandable that China Town broke into delirious joy.

Excitement was palpable in the air and, the celebration didn’t lack the vigour of those which were witnessed on the Shenyang streets or at the Tianmen Square moment after China’s historic win over Oman. The only noticeable difference was the sad footnote at the end of this flowery prose. If only the land they had made their home could emulate the land of their origin on the football field.

India making it to the World Cup! That’s a long shot. But the past records show that India were on par with China but somewhere a long way they lost the way. India boasts of two Asian Games golds and a bronze while China have never stepped on the top of the podium.

Chi Chu Chang is a typically jaded soccer fan. "China’s World Cup debut will give Chinese soccer a huge boost," says Chang with a surge of pride. But the disappointment in his tone is hard to hide when he says, "Wish India were also there along with China.” Chang like few of those who keep track of Indian football is aware of the 'ground realities' and quickly regrouped himself and added with a sarcastic punch: “May be, some time in the next century India will be there."

But, then given the 'ground realities' India shouldn't even dream about a World Cup berth for the simple reason that we don't really have it in us to to be there.

China have banked on motivation and national pride. Like the erstwhile East Germans, the Communist China has taught its people the importance of sports.
Indeed, patriotism is a potent force in modern China today. So much so that the sight of their side crumbling against Iraq in 1993 and Iran four years later in World Cup qualifiers was almost too much to bear.

The pain was sharpened by the sight of Chinese gymnasts, swimmers, divers, table tennis players and athletes sweeping gold at the successive Olympics.
Whether it was diver Fu Minxia or Ma Junren’s bunch of talented athletes, China has always been the forerunner, rubbing shoulders with other heavyweights USA, Russia and Japan. In soccer too, China have followed a similar regime — discipline, hardwork and sincerity. And it has paid them rich dividends.

China achieved it because they are sincere in their approach. We don’t have these qualities in us and that's why we don't make it.

Chinese authorities have injected professionalism into their football only a decade ago and India are still unable to get out of its semi-professionalism.
Initially, given the enormity of its size, China like Brazil had problems in organising a centralised National League. However, the Chinese sorted out the hindrance quickly and took a giant leap towards the football's greatest showpiece.

It was only after the introduction of club soccer in 1994 that the Chinese football slowly and steadily began to reassert itself. These reforms has made all the difference.

An extensive youth development programme is producing stars of the future. And some them have been exported to the European markets which include Chinese skipper Fa Zhinyi (represents Crystal Palace in English League), Ma Mingyu (Perugia in Serie A) and Yang Chen of German Second Division Eintracht Frankfurt. Others on the wait list include defender Sun Jihai and mid-fielder Li Tie. While Sun already spent a year with English First Division side Crystal Palace, Li has attracted interest from Ajax Amsterdam.

All this and much more. Chinese football is now draped with success. But if the Chinese federation has laid the stepping stone, it required the finishing touches of Bora Milutinovic. The globetrotting Serbian, affectionately called 'Milu' in China, is indeed has become a master at shepherding lesser soccer nations to World Cup success. Before China, the 57-year-old Serb has guided Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States and Nigeria to the finals.

Milutinovic made all the difference. China selected a man who was sincere and dedicated to his job. And most importantly the Chinese federation has extended their full support. Right from the team selection to the team's strategy, Bora always enjoyed a free hand. It is something unheard of India with Indian coaches.

Interference from the non-technical officials has been the bane of in Indian football. Dutta gives an instance how this has affected the game. In 1988 during the Nehru Cup at Siliguri the then AIFF president Khalifa Ziauddin interfered in the team’s strategy.

So for India, which even finds it difficult to prove his dominance at the South Asian level, the journey to the World Cup seems long and arduous. But the more depressing part is the AIFF doesn't even know from where to start this journey.

Maybe, the Chinese success story can give them some clue.

(In Calcutta, 2001)

Soccer balm provides healing touch to Bosnia

Bosnia, after breaking away from Yugoslavia following the 1992 war, was slowly limping back to normalcy. But even before the newly-born nation could piece itself together, it was haunted by the most sadistic violence ever to visit the Europe since the Nazi campaigns: Ethnic cleansing.

On top of documented cases of systematic torture and murder in Bosnia, came the charges of a new Serb entity: mass rape. The rough estimates put the number between 30,000 to 50,000. Gang rapes of young girls in front of mothers, fathers, siblings and children, became the order of the day. In fact, rapes became an integral part of the ethnic cleansing and were committed explicitly to impregnate Muslim women and hold them captive until they gave birth to unwanted Serbian babies.

The leading citizens of Brcko, Bjeljina, Kljuc, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Kotor Varos, Zvornik, who owned a business, participated in the party of Democratic Action or held a University degree, were hunted down and liquidated.

Naturally, sport became an unwilling victim. Particularly, football, a passion with the Bosnians, was the worst hit by the Serbian atrocities. In the backdrop of war, football remained the only love for the troubled state. It speaks volumes of the tenacity and the fighting spirit of the players.

The conditions the players faced during the war are too terrifying to mention but they did not give up practising. "It is a miracle," said Laila Burekovic, who assists her country's federation in matters relating to international relations and transfer of footballers.

Little wonder then that goalkeeper Adnan Guso, an undoubted star here in the just-concluded Sahara Cup, stood under the bar with a steely resolve. The towering goalkeeper actually brandished a gun during the war.

Three other members of the current team, which played the final against Yugoslavia, were also involved during the hostilities. Skipper Dzallaludin Murahemovic, Sead Saferovic and Asmir Ikanovic exchanged and dodged bullets against the Serbian forces during the height of war that commenced after the birth of Bosnia.

"It was not a war. It was a genocide," says Laila. After the heat and dust had settled down, the Bosnians concentrated on repair works: to develop the game and put their country on the football map. Funds were raised to rebuild stadiums damaged during the war. Fifa also accorded its recognition in 1993 when it became a separate football entity.

Two years later, they made their debut against Albania during a friendly match. A 0-2 loss was not encouraging. After all, the fledgling national team comprised ageing stars. Among them was Faruk Hadzibegic, who guided the national team in subsequent years and helped Yugoslavia qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

The achievement was something out of the ordinary. In its hour of glory, Laila’s heart goes out to Zelimir Vidovic, a national footballing icon for Yugoslavia and FC Sarajevo, as she recollects the gunning down of Vidovic during the war. She also remembers the scores of other players lost during the aggression. Some fled the country, maimed and killed by the horrendous violence.

The call of the hour, as Laila puts it, is to look ahead. Bosnia have held their own in soccer and continue to feature prominently in basketball, handball, volleyball and winter sports.

Bosnia’s initial results in international football turned out to be rather depressing. Heavy defeats to Greece (0-3) and Croatia (1-4) in 1996 in the World Cup qualifiers spelt doom for the nation’s footballing aspirations. They narrowly missed a Euro 2000 slot owing to injuries and suspensions.

However, under the enterprising Faud Muzurovic, a stalwart of prominent FC Sarajevo, the team began on a confident note. Eleven new faces took to the pitch against Slovenia and won. And the flow of confidence enabled the side win two of their last three matches of the qualifying programme, ending with a 3-0 demolition of the mighty Denmark in front of the 40,000 roaring spectators in Sarajevo’s Olympic Stadium.

Bosnia, with three wins from eight outings, may find gaining a spot in the World Cup difficult. But the side, dotted with several players from Europe’s top leagues, is capable of surprising the best in business. Hence, the Bosnians will need some watching as the 2002 World Cup qualifiers hots up.

Even a World Cup spot now is a distant dream. But three wins from eight outings has provided ample encouragement.

(In Calcutta, Jan, 2001)

Crumbling walls of Delhi football

Surrounded by crumbling walls and three surviving gates, the still vibrant old Delhi, built during Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's reign, is very much a city within a city.

A labyrinth of serpentine lanes crowded with rickshaws, it is lined with 17th-century havelis whose once ornate facades are now defaced with rusted signs and sprouting satellite dishes. This decay symbolises the dwindling fortune of football in the Walled City, a sad state of affairs since it once used to dominate Capital's soccer scene.

In the halcyon days, driven by passion for the game, old Delhi traders and businessmen did not mind diverting their business profits into football, helping the emergence of well-known clubs like City Club, Shastri FC, Youngmen, Mughals, and Indian Nationals.
While the clubs flourished, the game attracted the middle-class. Such was the clubs' appeal that even common folks came forward with contributions as clubs like Indian Nationals or City Club became a part of their lives.

Today, these clubs are up against harsh reality: How to carry on their legacy without funds? Passion alone cannot take them forward. The clubs have ceased to enjoy patronage from the locals as well. And businessmen no longer support them as they used to.
Most of these clubs spend from their own pockets. Gone are the days when these clubs would be treated with handsome contributions from Delhiites.
"It's definitely good for the game here. But there should be more takeovers like this," said a Delhi Soccer Association official.
Today, a top club needs about Rs 10 to 15 lakh to run its affairs. It's a huge amount by Delhi standards as football is still a poor man's game here. But still, some clubs are able to manage the money required to run their affairs which indicates there are takers for the game.

Most of these clubs depend on their communities for financial support. But with football's charm slowly fading, even old fans now chose to stay away.

One of the main reasons for the decline of soccer in the Capital, club officials feel, is that DSA does not have its own ground. "Ambedkar Stadium (which usually hosts important football matches) is easily accessible for fans from the Walled City. But ever since some games have been shifted out of Ambedkar, fans have found it difficult to follow their teams," said a club official.

In fact, absence of proper grounds have pushed Delhi football way behind the rest. There was a time when people used to kick a ball on the roads, in the parks and in empty areas which have now been taken over by high-rise buildings.

"In old Delhi, if someone played football, others watched him. And gradually followed him. That was how many youngsters took to the game," said an old fan who has been following Delhi football for decades.

With some leading corporates showing interest in Indian soccer recently, there has been something to cheer about for the soccer fan. But how will the lot of Delhi football improve, no one knows.

(In Delhi, 2007)

Renedy still going strong

"Dada sorry for not being able to return your call the other day," Renedy (Singh) seemed apologetic. But he was quick to add, "How would you rate my performance against Mohun Bagan?". For the record, Rahim Nabi scored one of his two goals from his freekick in East Bengal's memorable 3-0 win over Bagan in a crucial I-League match in Kolkata.

Whether its his vicious free-kicks or scorching runs down the left, the Manipuri medio hasn't lost that element of touch even after completing a decade in football. A regular for the Indian team since his senior debut in 1996, Rennedy appears the most settled player after Baichung Bhutia in an Indian side that has witnessed constant change in the last couple of years.

But for him the last two years (2005, 2006) had been pretty difficult. He was out of the national squad for a year-and-a-half followed by a niggling knee injury which forced him to leave the glam world of Calcutta football, and later found himself out of favour with the national coaches. Still, Renedy didn't threw in the towel.

In 2004, the Manipuri-born medio scored his fourth international goal against Singapore in a pre-World Cup qualifier. Close on the heels of that stupendous show, he earned an impressive club deal; Mohun Bagan appointed him their captain in that year. But things didn't turn out to his expectations.

Mohun Bagan was his last big club in 2004 before he joined JCT. He felt that he was forced to leave Kolkata as things weren't that conducive in Bagan. Besides the club didn't clear his dues. Things weren't on his side.

True. 2004 had been a topsy-turvy year for him. Bagan released him midway and he was reduced to a non-entity in Kolkata football. He wanted to join East Bengal but the strange transfer contracts between Bagan and East Bengal had shut the door on him -- he was out of football and out of club. After a brief spell in one low-profile club in Kolkata, Rennedy finally took the toughest of all decisions: bid adueu to Kolkata football.

Later Rennedy found solace in National colours in 2006, though it came after two years. "In 2005-06 I had performed well with JCT. But still didn't get a national call. But finally, I guess the justice has been done to my hard work."

Far away from the hype of Kolkata football, life became a wee-bit difficult for Renedy in Phagwara. "JCT have the best of football facilities. Bt it was a new place for me. And like any newcomer it was becoming tough to adjust." Yet, he survived the toughest of moments -- both as a player and an individual -- and seldom lost hope for a revival.

The Fab Four

Manoel M Flores Junior (Brazil), Gonzalo Bossart (Chile), Pedro Rodrigues (Portugal) and Taufique Ahmed (a former AIFF official) are all in their early thirties. They have different backgrounds. But all four are linked to football. Currently they are working on a project that dwells on Indian football at the FIFA International Master in Zurich. The combo of ideas emanating from a Brazilian, Chilean and a Portuguese and guided by an Indian, if assembled together and endorsed by FIFA later could well become a guideline to resuscicate Indian football by forming a successful and independent league in the line of EPL (England) or La Liga (Spain).

"In India there is only one sport to compete with. While football in America has to compete with four major sports, in India the scenario in different," Junior said.

"If you compare Indian football with Brazil, Chile and Portugal with their own established leagues, the attempt to create a successful league is seen by some people almost as impossible. This is exactly where we come in. We believe India has got potential in becoming an important stakeholder in world football," explained Junior, who heads a commercial operations responsible for football telecasts in Brazil. Besides, the Brazilian also control and coordinate the delivery of commercial advertising in TV channels.

But Chilean Bossart is a practicing lawyer who earlier was associated with Chilean government as head of Control Unit and Sports Organizations, ministry of justice, at the Legal Person Department. He also worked with legal department of National Institute of Sports of Chile. Indian football have already entered into a tie-up with Portugal since 2006 and the Indian team have been touring since then. But are these tie-ups going to bring about any changes? "One of our goals is to analyze how effective are these tie-ups. If any of its aspects can be applied in the formation of a league. The exchange of knowledge with Belenenses (one of Portugal's top clubs) is sure to have an impact on Indian football," said Pedro Rodrigues.

Junior believes that a Diego Maradona visit will not change Indian football. "Presenting celebrities is certainly an effective marketing strategy but it's not everything. A mix of initiatives ranging from community partnerships and infrastructure development to media relationships will all have to be dealt with."

Despite the hurdle, there is a ray of hope. "With only one sport dominating, India allows more room for another to be introduced successfully. Just to remember that we are not talking about any sport, we are talking about the world's most popular game," explained Ahmed.

(In New Delhi, 2009)

Soccer a big hit in rural Orissa

One may have heard abour hockey being played in tribal areas of Orissa. But the state's non-descript river-locked villages of Kendrapara district has witnessed a silent soccer revolution has been taking place. These handful of villages have been throwing up women footballers of class regularly over the last four years, five of whom have already donned the India colours in international tournaments.

In fact, the Aul-Rajkanika belt is now being considered as the nursery of women football in Orissa from where talents are being picked for training in state-run sports hostels.

Sixteen-year-old Sushmita Mallick recently accompanied three other young girls of the area to Kuala Lumpur to represent the country in an age-group tournament, virtually pushing aside the prevalent caste and gender bias.

Sushmita, along with Sangita Patra, Suprava Samal, Bijoylaxmi Sahu and Alochana Senapati have broken new grounds, said Debendra Sharma, president of the Kendrapara district committee, who is considered the chief patron of women's football in the region.

Sharma, for whom football is a passion, is also vice-president of the state Women's Football Association. It all started happening after a series of exhibition women's football matches were organised at the mini stadium at Aul in 2002. A novel concept to the local people, it evoked much enthusiasm and curiosity among young girls.
"After the completion of matches, we invited the girls to come forward to participate in a training camp. The response was unprecedented as over 40 girls, accompanied by their parents turned up for the training session. They have not looked back thereafter," Sharma said.

While five of the girls belonging to Malapatana, Giribandha and Goudapatana villages have already become internationals, 13 girls from the area have been chosen for the state under-19 and under-16 teams, Sharma said.

Seeing the talent the girls had, the state department of sports deputed a coach to train them. Initially, the physical education teacher of a local college volunteered to coach the girls. "But later we recruited a trained coach, Chittaranjan Patra to nurture these talented girls."

Sharma said several hurdles were encountered in training the girls as they were mostly from dalit background and had little to look forward to their future.
Some of those who encouraged the girls to take off on an unknown career in sports even spent from their own pockets to keep the training programme running. But when the girls began to excel on the field, contributions came voluntarily from other sources. "Though the initial days were hard, the burden eased with majority of the footballers being accommodated in the government-run sports hostel at Bhubaneswar," he said.

(In Kendrapara, Orissa, 2006)

Tribute from an artist

A boy stitching a football -- an universal emblem of aspiration. This vibrant pose in the slums of Brazil was immediately captured by Riyas Komu, an accomplished Mumbai-based painter and a photographer. Even after establishing himself as a renowned painter, this Kerala-born artist hasn't forget his first love: football. He wants to live with the game along with art.

But Why he has chosen Indian footballers as his subject. "Indian football has brought in some fame through their modest effort but we don't have time to attend them. The players are not to be blamed for it. They actually struggle with their lives than the game."

Riyas grew up playing football and lived with it till the age of 21 in Kerala. And then he moved to Mumbai to pursue art. His work refers to the paradoxes of the urban situation where there is glamour and abject poverty. He is compassionate yet it is laced with cynism.
"I realised the players' issues from an artist's point of view. My art revolves around socio-political issues. I decided to give first preference to players' issues because I've found they are not treated well despite being the national players," he added.

So while Habibur Rahman posed with his modest bike on the Hooghly bridge or NS Manju on a Kolkata street, Riyas was happy clicking them from a difficult angle.

"As an artist, I want to speak for these players through my works. Its not just a subject for me. I see it as my responsibility!"

The exhibition was divided into four parts and titled 'Mark Him'. The first half was held in Mumbai in 2007 followed by the second half in Kolkata in 2008. So while he traveled extensively from Goa to Kolkata and in Mumbai, one can gauge his sincere effort to do something for footballers who are usually left behind in the publicity market.

"When I finished my art training in 1999 and came to stay at Borivili, my interest in the game was revived. But I found that most of these footballers don't even get a good room to sleep.
"They should not miss anything because they play a game where they have to "pass it around".

(In Delhi & Mumbai, 2007)

Has Kolkata football slowly walked into the sunset?

I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying -- Michael Jordan

The rickety wooden stands at Mohammedan Sporting ground in Kolkata hits you on the face. It tells you a tale of a series of failures the century-old club has been battling with. After the club logged themselves out of the XIth National Football League, Sporting fans are now reeling under a certain kind of fear psychosis.

Sporting's story isn't an isolated case. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan's pdestrian show in recent years have re-established the hard-core truth about Kolkata's gradual decline as a powerhouse. There were early warnings. But then the Kolkata clubs overlooked the imminent danger as they wore arrogance on their sleeves. Because in Kolkata, officials always beleive that 'tradition and history' would sail them through.

But then the combo effect of 'history and tradition' has been proved redundant in their bid to resurrect an image lost long back. Sample this. The last time a Bengal team won the National Championship for Santosh Trophy was in 1998 while after 2003-04 no other Kolkata club has been able lay their hands on NFL crown.

A quote on Kolkata's football culture from none other than FIFA President Sepp Blatter will put things in the right perspective. "I visited three clubs. One (Mohun Bagan) which was over a hundred years old. It was established even before FIFA in the past century. Its infrastructure is from that century only."

While Dempo, Mahindra United or even JCT showed exuberance and committment every time they stepped on to the field, Kolkata clubs kept themselves busy with debilitating issues off the field.

At one stage, it looked like East Bengal would pip frontrunners Dempo and Mahindra in the NFL title race. But ideological differences between chief coach Carlos Roberto Pereira and tecnhical manager Manoranjan Bhattacharya put paid to their hopes of a possible fourth title.

At Bagan, the scenario was even worst. They got trapped in their self-created complications after rebellious streak in their senior players inlcuding Baichung Bhutia and Jose Ramirez Barreto saw four coaches made the exit midway into the NFL season!

With better-organised teams like Dempo, Churchill and Mahindra virtually outpacing Bagan or East Bengal, justifiably then, should we still refer to Kolkata as the 'Mecca of Indian football'. Because like the holy Mecca's geographical position, Indian football too has shifted to the West.

Probably the best quote on Kolkata football came from Blatter's counterpart in Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mohammed Bin Hammam. "We have seen your three clubs. We know you have the history. But what is the future?"

The AFC president's evaluation was correct and to the point. After all, 'past history and tradition' in no way can lift the game from where it is today. No wonder then the clubs' future seems to be heading towards an unidentified zone. People have lost interest in games while players have lost their will to play and club officials are not too keen to run the game.

Added to the woes is the amateur set-up where unprofessionalism runs deep in the football system. Officials often blame it on sponsors or players. When none of the blame seems accurate, coaches are made scapegoats.

In the 70s and 80s, Bengal was considered to be the supplyline of footballers. Using informal network of scouts, dedicated club officials searched for talent. There was dedication and an intense love for the club. But none of these happens anymore as officials prefer 'dubious agents' to do the overseas scouting during the transfer market. In this way, money is made from overseas players' by the officials and from anything that represents the club. Be it commissions for players' kits or others.

Then there is serious lack of investment in its youth teams. If the first guilt of not having full-time youth structure was outrageous, then fielding overaged players made a total mockery of city's football setup.

Has Kolkata football slowly walked into the sunset?

(In Kolkata, 2007)

Danny, Tinkitam & Baichung

Tinkitam won't sound like some place on Mars if for those who keep track of
Indian football. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Kanchenjanga, it is a place almost ethereal in beauty. But getting there is almost as difficult as solving some cryptic clues. With the early morning cold wind often numbing your senses and the rocky path sometimes making your knees wobble, you might throw in the towel. But then the challenge is worth taking only because of Baichung Bhutia.

Forget about Tinkitam's latitude and longitude, locating it on the atlas would definitely require a magnifying glass. The place is virtually cut off from the satellite world. Telephones, cable networks or even the cacophony of vehicles are yet to make any inroad in this sleepy hamlet firmly placed at the foothills of Kanchenjunga. Silence spreads like a contagion as you weave past the lush green cardamom plantations on either side of the two kilometre stretch which leads to the Indian captain's village.

Yet, the passport to this remotest village happens to be Indian football's only superstar -- Baichung. And even if you are not comfortable with the local Nepali dialect, simply roll out the words, `Baichung, Baichung' and you would be heading towards his home.

After Danny Denzongpa, this tiny Himalayan state got Baichung as their most adorable celebrity. And the Sikkimese are quite elated. Why not? After all, heroes are rarely bred in the mountains where life is extremely hard and steeped in poverty and backwardness.

In the early nineties, a precocious talent emerged from the obscurity of a relatively unknown village called Tinkitam to do wonders with that spherical leather object called football, Short and stocky, Bhutia soon became a rage with the hillmen. His import to the motherland of soccer -- England -- in 1999 has given his modest village a shot in the arm. No wonder, Tinkitam instantly gained international fame.

In fact, the Sikkimese has even emulated his 'Grandpa' Danny in terms of hero worship and popularity; and the hillmen's unbriddled joy and happiness is expressed through football, and Bhutia can claim to be a trendsetter.

In Tinkitam and elsewhere in his state, Bhutia is more than a football star. He is the Little Buddha. Or even a Karmapa whose hero worship is almost legendary. You may not come across any `Baichung shrine' but the Sikkim Government has paid obeisance to the celebrity in the form of a stadium at Namchi, 45 minutes drive from Tinkitam. Baichung Stadium at Namchi stands tall for posterity to reminiscence his impressive track record in a sport which sadly has few takers in India.

True, Bhutia hasn't won an Olympic or a World Cup medal for India. Yet, he stands tall among his contemporaries because of his sheer tenacity to achieve against all odds. And that's may be the reason why every hillman whether Bhutia, Nepali or a Lepcha tries to identify himself with him.

For just as Jesse Owen's was the Blacks answer to German superiority in athletics, Bhutia is the mountain's answer to the plain's mastery over football.

"Earlier, the parents used to push their children into studies. But ever since Bhutia became a star things have changed. They now take pride in pursuing football as a career," said Samteng Dorji, who himself takes part in afternoon practice seesion at the Baichung Stadium.

At Bhutia's school at Tashi Namgyal Academy, Sikkim's most prestigious and premier institutions in Gangtok where he was sent as a nine-year-old, students pin up his pictures in their hostel room. Because Baichung spells pride. "He has earned a lot of fame," exclaims a hotel boy, Nim Tshering, who recalls the young striker practising on the hard and sandy Palzor Stadium.

Bhutia in fact personifies the essence of the Sikkimese character -- honest, modest and simple. At the core of Bhutia becoming a cult figure, an icon, is essentially the mountain people's endless struggle against hostile surroundings. His success story has done wonders for the hillmen to take up the cudgels and weave more success for their state.

Bhutia's success story has even boosted the state's tourism industry. In an effort to attract more tourists, the Ravangla Tourism Centre proudly displays in its brochures 'Come and visit Tinkitam, Baichung Bhutia's birthplace.'

Bhutia's parents -- father Dorji Doma and mother Sonam Topden -- are proud of their son. Though they are not aware much about his exploits, yet they are contended that Bhutia is still the most res;pected and demanding footballer in the country. "Bhutia has done us proud. He is there right at the top," said Topden, Bhutia's mother, with a surge of pride by pointing her finger to the tip of the Mt Kanchenjunga.

(In Tinkitam, Sikkim, 2001)

With love from Iran

On an insipid Saturday morning in the Capital, Jamshed Nasiri's tiring eyes (he is on a whirlwind tour of the country) lit up after watching young footballers from Capital's renowned schools turn up in expensive jerseys and kits. But Nasiri isn't so surprised. After all, most of these participating teams are from Capital's renowned private schools.

"Watch this boy," he points to a Air Force School player. "Watch his ball control. He is a very skillful player who made it to the Arsenal last year," he added.

A trip to Arsenal is a dream which every young footballer will look forward to. And Nasiri was here to spot talents (only 3-4 players per city) find a place in the final 30 which will be pruned to 16 before making it to Arsenal to represent India.

This former East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting star talks about developing a football culture in India. He doesn't even mind working with youngsters. "I can tell you there are good talent in the country. We only need to spot and groom them. Tata Tea-Arsenal venture is only a modest effort to promote these players," he shares his experience as a spotter.

But when told that in cities like Delhi, kids from affluent families play soccer just for status symbol, Nasiri smiles. "At the Sir Dukhiram coaching centre on the Maidan in Kolkata, I know small kids who play with tattered boots. They eat only chana. Still they are so passionate about football," he draws a comparison between the two different socio-economic conditions.

After having played the game at top level, Nasiri explains why seven-a-side game should be strictly adhered to. "In a full-team game, players waste time. But seven-a-side or five-a-side events keep players busy because speed and skill are vital," he said.

But will this abridged format mar the very essence of the game? "No," says Nasiri, adding, "For such games, one needs more skill and speed, which is good for competition."

Besides keeping a tab on the teams' performances, Nasiri doesn't forget to talk about Delhi football. "Capital's football is better now than what I saw during my playing days. Atleast ND Heroes, Indian Nationals and Simla Youngs are trying to introduce professionalism," he said.

"If India is to reinstate its status as Asian power once again, it needs to focus on the talented players at the grassroot level," comes the suggestion from this Iranian who now takes his caravan to Lucknow, Chandigarh and other cities before selecting 30players for a session with Arsenal coaches.

(In New Delhi, 2009)

Kashmir and its women footballers

Just adjacent to the school campus, CRPF jawans keep a vigil from their hideouts but Hina and her friends are hardly bothered by their presence. Instead, these Kashmiri girls are enjoying themselves to the hilt, by playing the world's most popular sport -- football.

Interestingly, there is no fatwa against Hina, Ruksana, Nazia... who are dreaming to become footballers and, who practise in a school ground in Srinagar's posh Rajbagh area which is near the Bakshi Stadium which recently hosted the National Football Championship.

Gun-toting securitymen notwithstanding, presently, one does come fact-to-face with the fact that the Valley is moving forward on many counts, as evidenced by the regular participation of girls in football.

At the Rajbagh Girls' Secondary School, around 45 girls from different schools turned up almost everyday for the local selection trials. After the trials, the team will travel to Leh next month for the U-19 state championship. "They are highly excited at being part of a football team," said coach Mushtaq Ahmed Dar.

No hardliner has yet spoken against the presence of women in a 'manly' game. But the girls prefer to be in trousers and not in formal football shorts. "There are no strict guidelines on the use of hijabs. Some use it, others don't. Football is the key word," asserts Dar.

Whether, it's making an accurate pass or taking a freekick, the girls seemed focused on training. Also, football seems to have made them bold and confident. For the record, though, Jammu & Kashmir has not yet seen an exclusive women's sports events.

"Earlier, Kashmiri Muslim families had an orthodox mentality. During and after militancy, most girls opted to study outside the state. It helped change their mindset. That's why most families here do not mind sending their girls for sporting activity," feels Humaira Showkat, who is pursuing her PhD in sociology from Aligarh Muslim University.

Dar explains: "TV has changed our society. After watching some women sports events, these girls have been encouraged to dream. Though they are aspiring to be footballers, most of them idolizes tennis star Sania Mirza because she is the only celebrated Muslim sportswomen in our country."

When I asked some of these girls if they were uncomfortable playing a game dominated by men, they felt there should not be any gender bias, particularly in today's progressive society. "Girls are excelling in various fields and there is no reason why we should not participate in football too."

The recent football National Football Championship in Kashmir has given them a fillip. They now believe more than before that the situation is conducive for football in the state.

(Srinagar, June 2008)

A drive to the Bishan Stadium -- home to Home United Football Club -- shows just how much Singaporeans care about sports. A spotless entrance and a row of small, sparkling cafeterias in front of the stadium add to your belief that when it comes to the maintenance of soccer stadiums, Singapore can match the best in the world.

Saturday being a weekend, routine football practice games are off the schedule. Yet, some amateur players are busy sharpening their skills. One can feel the vibrant football culture here. But a conversation with PN Sivaji, head coach of Home United, leaves you wondering.

The level of football in Singapore is the same as in India. But Indian football is better placed. Interestingly, Singapore is ranked 128 against India's 153 in the FIFA list. "The main problem here is that football is not vibrant here. There are no icons like Baichung Bhutia. Talks are on to sign up foreign players but we are still waiting. Besides, we have to train and play on the same pitch, which is a major hurdle," he adds.

Though football and the S-League here is well organised, there is still lack of patronage, of fans and sponsors. "People are not interested in watching the league matches live. Unlike in India, the clubs here have to pay money to TV channels for the telecast of their matches."

Sivaji chips in with a word of praise for the current Indian team. "The present Indian squad has tremendous potential, but the desired results are not coming. It is just a matter of time before everything falls in place."

Home United, owned by Singapore's home ministry, finished second in last year's S-League and are currently placed third. Incidentally, the club club will face Dempo Sports Club in the home-away AFC Cup matches in September.

The country boasts of 12 multipurpose stadiums of which two are exclusively for football. But Sivaji, who is also the technical director of Singapore national team, says: "Football here is ruled more by the bookies." Football betting was made legal in Singapore in 1989 to reduce illegal gambling. Even the dates and timings of matches are decided by the bookies. Surprisingly, money doesn't come from gate-collection but betting generates around 60 to 70 per cent of the revenue.

(In Singapore, July 2008)

Football Comes Home

It was in the year 1982 that Indian football woke up to stark reality. With the World Cup semifinals and final beamed live from Spain for the first time ever, aficionados with open-mouthed wonder realised how obsolete Indian football had become. For them, the opportunity to watch world class action on TV was just like taking a break from their mundane daily routine to venture into the cool climes of a hill station.

But much before the World Cup telecast happened and EPL had made inroads into Indian drawing rooms, the inaugural Nehru Cup in 1982 at Kolkata had already 'exposed' the standard of Indian football. The event, meanwhile, was so popular that across Kolkata (then Calcutta), the Nehru Cup became the subject of all conversation.

But it was not surprising then. The Kolkata league and other domestic events were becoming too tacky to follow, and the Nehru Cup was a refreshing offering. Without doubt, witnessing the Nehru Cup became much more exciting than watching homegrown 'stars' in action.

Nobody had imagined that the Nehru Cup would be a runaway hit in its very first year. The pace, the style and the approach of the visiting teams clearly differentiated it from Indian football. Though the loyalty for Mohun Bagan or East Bengal was still there, Kolkatans switched their allegiance when it came to Nehru Cup.

After all, who wouldn't have been mesmerised by sorcerrs like Enzo Francescoli Uruguay), Laszlo Kiss (Hungary), Jorge Burruchaga (Argentina), Nery Pumpido Argentina), Euzebiusz Smolarek (Poland), Rinat Dasayev and Alexei Mikhailichenko both Russian)?

And, yes, who can forget the eccentric genius, the Argentine coach Carlos Bilardo, who was best remembered for his expulsion from the bench by the referee following a heated argument?

Probably, that was the only time when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) brought quality international teams for the Nehru Cup. As the years wore on, particularly in the early 90s, the federation lost both passion and motivation to continue with its only international tournament.

Cut to the present, and the revival of the ONGC Nehru Cup could have happened much earlier. Lack of international outings, both at home and away, and a serious lack of initiative from the federation had sounded the death knell of an Indian team which always relied on 'promise'. No wonder then, the success-starved national squad slipped down the FIFA rankings.

But thanks to chief coach Bob Houghton (the Englishman made AIFF bosses realise the importance of international events) that ONGC Nehru Cup is finally taking off once again, after a decade's hiatus. But then, this year's event, which will see five Asian nations in action, could also have included a top Asian team or one from Latin America or Europe. With the contesting nations ranked well outside the top 100, the event definitely won't rank among the best of the 12 editions held so far.

However, it's not known if the federation was keen on continuing with the Cup anyways. Earlier, it was an annual affair till 1989. Then, it became a biennial event. And after 1997, when India finished third, the Nehru Cup went off the radar completely.

In the past, the AIFF had cited paucity of funds and other reasons to ignore the Cup's revival. But now that the corporates have evinced interest in football, the federation will do well to enter into a longterm agreement to keep the event afloat. Else, it will once again be packed off like it was 10 years ago.

(In New Delhi, 2007)