Gurugram’s U-19 football team wins state title for the first time

GURUGRAM: The Gurgaon U19 boys' football team won the 52nd Haryana state football championship of SGFI (School games federation of India) was organised by the state Directorate of Education. The tournament was held in Ambala from October 9 to October 11 and under 19 boys' football teams from 21 districts participated in the tournament.

The Gurgaon team won the Haryana state championship for the very first time under the mentorship of coach Deepak Jha. Gurgaon defeated the Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, Sonipat 2-0 in the first match played after an outstanding performance from striker Ritvik Varghese. The pre-quarter final was played against Panchkula where Gurgaon became victorious 3-0 with goals from Ritvik Varghese, Aayan Taragi and Shaurya Itikhat.

In a hard-fought battle against home team Ambala, Seok Jun Lee scored the only goal from a header to give Gurgaon a place in the semifinals with a 1-0 win. Against Sirsa, in the semifinals, Gurgaon won by 2-0. The final match was Gurgaon vs Panipat. Gurgaon was 1-0 in the first half but showed great determination to make a comeback and win the championships through penalties.

Deepak Jha, the coach said, "I have been training these 18 boys in Ghata, Gurgaon. The training ground is rented out. I pay the rent (Rs25,000) every month from my pocket. We cannot go to Tau Devi Lal stadium as it is frequently booked for an event not related to the sport. We won't get a free hand to train there." The boys were provided jerseys and equipment by their coach too.

Varin Aggarwal, the goalkeeper said, "No one takes football seriously in India. We haven't got any recognition from the state on winning this tournament. Moreover, the ground at which we played most of the matches was not fit to be played upon. There were potholes in the ground. Considering the government's interest in the sport we had to be content with whatever facilities we get, leave aside any thought of us getting refreshments."

Prabhat Singh Gill, the midfielder said, "If the Ghata facility were not available to us we would not have won. Deepak sir gave us tactical and strategic coaching which is not possible had we done our training at the district facility. I can't dream of becoming a footballer as there are neither facilities nor opportunities in the country. So we play football as the hobby not and can never really consider it as a career."

Speaking about the facilities provided at the district level for footballers, Parsaram, district sports officer said, "Efforts are being made to increase the number of players and institutions so that in the next FIFA Cup, players from Gurgaon can also make their mark."