A first: Chandigarh Juniors beat all to get a shot at top slot

“To be frank,when we were undergoing training at a camp before the tournament,we were confident of reaching the semi-final. But today’s win has given a boost to our confidence and we will work out on our plans during the break before the final,” the 18-year-old told Newsline over phone from Kolkata.

What more,the talented striker added his name to the ever growing list of footballers from Gurdaspur who have displayed their talent at the big stage. “I have always looked up to Parminder Singh,the current JCT coach. He used to play as a midfielder and though I have never seen him play,the stories of his skills and scoring abilities had left a strong impression on my mind when I was a kid,” he said.

The striker had opened the account for the team in the 17th minute. He again scored in the 75th minute to finish with 11 goals of the 24 goals the Chandigarh team has scored so far. Substitute Sumit Passi also scored two goals for his team.

“Despite the energy sapping heat,the boys managed to play well as a unit. Their win against last year’s runners up Orissa had really pepped up their confidence. What has made the team’s entry into the final special is the fact that top Under-19 players from other states were also playing. Some of them are even in the Under-19 I-League teams. So,it was tough for the boys. But they have given their best performance till now. Our hard working is finally paying off,” said an ecstatic Tejinder Kumar,coach of the Chandigarh team.

Refusing to give credit to a single player,Tejinder said it was a combined effort. “All the players have put in their hard work. If Gagandeep was good at the front,then Sumit Passi has been inventive in the midfield,not to forget Ruat Fela who has been a rock under the bar,” said the former international player.

Meanwhile,JPS Sidhu,joint director (sports),expressed joy over the news. “It is a proud privilege for the city as the Chandigarh team has entered the final for the first time in the history of Chandigarh football. The coordination between the state owned Chandigarh Football Hockey Academy and the Chandigarh Football Association resulted in the outstanding display by the Chandigarh boys,” he said.

General secretary,Chandigarh Football Association,Rakesh Bakshi,too,congratulated the team for reaching the final. “It’s a big achievement for the team. It will certainly boost football in the city,” said Bakshi. Chandigarh will play the final on June 27 with the winner of the other semi-final match to be played between West Bengal and Uttrakhand on June 25.