Sunil Chhetri conducts OMBC trials

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri on Sunday conducted the selection trials for picking up India's two official match ball carriers for this year's FIFA World Cup in June.

Brought to India for the first time by automobile brand Kia Motors, the initiative will see six children (two official match ball carriers and four spectators) getting shortlisted to become a part of world football's most prestigious tournament.

Speaking to the press later, Chhetri pointed out that the unique initiative would prove to be a life-changing experience for the selected representatives and that to some extent it would also help to promote the love for football in the country.

"It is going to be a huge experience for them. They will be witnessing football at such a grand stage and when they come back, they will share their experience with the other kids, and I think, this way certain amount of awareness around football will be generated, so that the kids are inspired to play more and improve," the 33-year-old said.

Sunday's selection trials saw fifty children under 14 years of age turn up at the FCB Escola Grounds, where they were required to demonstrate their dribbling, juggling and shooting skills and had to answer a set of questions related to sports to fulfill the selection criteria.

Reflecting on the skilful turnout for the initiative, Chhetri commented on the passion the children had for football.

"I am overwhelmed to see the kind of talent these little kids have. They are not only just passionate about the game but are also well-versed about its nuances," he said.

"I shall envy the kids who eventually go over to Russia to watch the game's greatest players in action. It will be a life-changing experience. I must thank Kia Motors for giving me the opportunity to interact with these kids and be a part of such a wonderful initiative," he added.

Sunday's events also saw Sunil Chhetri deliver a pumped up pep-talk to the participating children, where the Indian captain highlighted on proper diet and good sleep to be able to pursue football.

"Eat good and sleep well," Chhet echoed a couple of times, before he added, "That's the only way to do it. Phones? Afterward, when you are famous and have a blue tick after your Instagram profile. Until then use your time to sleep well and eat well."