For Delhis under-19 footballers Abhishek Rawat and Nitesh Chhikara,making the junior national camp is a dream come true. Rawat and Chhikara were the only two players from the Capital to figure on the 73-strong list of probables for the camp beginning in Goa from July 12 under coach Colin Toal. The Indian junior team for the upcoming tournaments will be selected on the basis of players performance there. Naturally,the duo are elated that the opportunity that has come their way. I dont have words to express my feelings. Its a wonderful chance and I know Ill have to work hard to make it count. My goal is now to earn an India call-up, Rawat told Sportline. With an abundance of talent,not many would bet against the 16-year olds. Rawat has represented the Delhi side in the under-13,16,17 and 19 nationals,while Chhikara has played for the state at the under-16 and 19 levels. The duo play for Simla Youngs in the the Delhi league and the club even flew them to Wales to participate in the Wales Super Cup in 2009. This is a part of our training manual. We send our teams to Wales so that the players gain finer nuances of the sport. With Abhishek and Nitesh going for the Indian camp,our efforts have paid off, said Manoj Chaudhary,Simla Youngss manager. Rawats family has been a constant source of support for the footballer. His father works with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the job meant he was mostly away from home. His mother,though,left no stone unturned to help him realise his dream. His brother,who is a football coach with the Faith Academy School,bought him a pair of boots from his first salary. Im extremely happy for my brother. He is on his way to be where I want him to be. I wish that he makes it to the team, said Ashish. Rawats coach Jasmer Singh is also optimistic about his wards chances. Though not very tall,Rawat used to perform every task with dedication and is very good as left midfielder. Now that he has a chance,he will deliver the goods and will play for India, said Singh. Tough timesChhikaras journey has been tough. Having lost his parents at an early age,he was raised by his grandfather,a small farmer from Kheri Asra village in Jhajjar,Haryana. Interestingly,Chhikara started off as an athlete. He participated at 100m and 200m in the junior national athletics championship in Chennai in 2008. However his coach Patwal persuaded him to take up football full-time. I could always see a good footballer in him. I wish it works out well for him. He has improved a lot since the last year,and I hope he keeps improving, said Patwal.
