Bringing laurels from Lanka

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Nature, we know, has a system of balancing things out. So, when the senior Indian men’s team lost the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal, their little sisters triumphed in Sri Lanka.

India’s under-13 girls were crowned champions in the first edition of AFC south central Asia football tournament in Colombo on Wednesday.

The Indian team held a long victory march in the tourney, trouncing, Palestine, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Iran and Bhutan, one after another.

It’s funny if one evaluates the performance of the two sides in the different tourneys. The seniors went to lose all three group matches, conceding 8 goals and scoring nil. On the other hand, the little champs netted a whopping 37 goals and taking in just 1.

“I am fully satisfied with the performance of the team. We were given the opportunity to train hard for the championship and we have repaid the trust of our well-wishers with this great victory,” says chief coach P.V. Priya

The little champs arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning. “The members of the association were present to greet us upon our arrival and it feels so good. The two months of preparations helped us attain proper fitness and play as a compact unit,” says Priya, hailing from Kannur.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das congratulated the girls for putting up such a stupendous performance. “I congratulate you all on your achievement. Hope you will continue with this in the future tournaments. All of you have made the country proud,” he said.

The girls had signed off with flair after an emphatic 13-0 win over Bhutan before sealing their championship with a 1-0 victory against hot favourites Iran. The only goal they conceded was against Jordan in their 7-1 win at Bambalapitiya near Colombo.

The duration of the matches was 50 minutes with both halves of 25 minutes each. Against Jordan, captain Kashmina netted a hat-trick while Daya Devi scored four goals in the nine goal triumph over Palestine.

“They have been consistent and disciplined at the same time, throughout the tournament and it is not something you can demand from kids of their age. But the girls showed great skills on the field,” says Priya.

She lauded the girls for their cohesive effort. “The intention is to make them love the sport because it is very much a beginning stage for them. The win has certainly bolstered their spirits. I’m pleased with their attitude,” she adds.

It certainly leaves no scope for a comparison between the seniors and the youngest of their cousins, as the level of competition is far wide.

But, as the All India Football Federation gets ready to introspect on the appalling show in Kathmandu, it must also not forget to carry forward the momentum set by the little girls for they are the ones who make the future.