New Delhi [India]November 2 (ANI): Amarjit Singh, who was captain of the country in the only FIFA World Cup that India has participated in so far, feels that their relatives can be labeled as “World Cup family” as his cousin Kritina Devi will represent India in the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup for women 2021.
“She is one of the few girls from our place who started playing football with boys. I hope she is selected and plays in the upcoming U-17 Women’s World Cup. It will be a very proud moment for our family. Then we can be tagged as a World Cup family. Is not it? “said Amarjit with a smile during an interview with AIFF TV.
Kritina Devi is an integrated member of India’s U-17 women’s team, which is training under the Swedish coach Thomas Dennerby’s coaching for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2021.
Amarjit Singh and his cousin Jeakson Singh have already written their names in the history books after representing the country in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017. While Amarjit was captain on the side, Jeakson was India’s goal scorer against Colombia – India’s only goal in all FIFA World Cup to date.
“Jeakson and I have shared our experiences with Kritina and she sounds enthusiastic. These are life memories and will not sink soon. Hopefully she will also have the opportunity to experience these things at the greatest stage,” he added.
Amarjit even shared an anecdote when he and teammate Suresh (Singh Wangjam) had a jaw-dropping moment as they were covered by private security 24 x 7 at the team hotel during extravaganza.
“One day, when we went to the gym, Suresh and I noticed two people following us. We did not care much and went to the gym for our regular stretching. When we were done, we found them waiting just outside the entrance. Once they asked, they informed us that they were stationed for us. We could not believe it. A few days ago someone barely cared about us. But then we took care of ourselves by private security guards. the field riddle in the FIFA World Cup. “” When we used to travel, we were guided by a police guard. Everyone knows the infamous Delhi traffic but we were given free passage when we went to the arena. You could not expect these if you can not represent your country in a World Cup. surpass! “he said.
In addition, Amarjit also mentioned how he was “chosen” to be captain before the U-17 World Cup. The then coach Luis Norton de Matos hosted a choice to choose the captain and almost the entire squad chose the Manipuri midfielder unanimously.
“Coach asked us to share three preferences and consequently we used to rate them. After everyone submitted their preferences, I discovered that almost everyone mentioned my name as one of their choices. I realized how much they loved and respected me. It raised my role. in the team and I realized my responsibility as a leader. “” My dream was to play my part and be selected in the team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. I spent more time with them compared to my family. To my surprise, they chose me “I never expected that, not even in my wildest dream,” the 19-year-old revealed.
Amarjit further credited the I-League exposure for shaping him into a better and sharper player. After the FIFA U-17 World Cup, they were introduced for the I-League 2017-18. By the way, they had a blowing start with a huge 3-0 victory over Chennai City FC in Goa.
“Originally we were a little scared because we were going to face big guns like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and others. Even, NEROCA, the team from our locality was ready for their I-League debut. But our coaches, support staff motivated us and they “The matches against senior professional players and foreigners helped us grow tremendously,” said the midfielder.
“After the World Cup, AIFF made a ladder for us for further improvements as a team. After playing a couple of seasons in the Hero I-League – I realized how these experiences helped me get better as a footballer,” said Amarjit. (ANI)