Denmark blow for Indian plans

Simran told this paper said that he was informed by the junior team’s coach Islam Akhmedov that he will “not be selected” for the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to be held in Colombo next month and the Asian Youth Championships at home in October.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already said that they would use the SAF Games as a ‘‘build-up’’ for the Youth Championships. With the AIFF not keen to deviate from that line, the six-foot medio-cum-striker says he had no choice but to pack his bags.

‘‘I was told no matter what I would play. I was wrongly informed (about the age criteria) and it has cost me a fortune coming all the way to India,” said Simran who plays for Danish second division side KUM.

However, a top AIFF official, who did not wish to be named, insisted that Simran was aware of the age limit. ‘‘It was his decision to leave the Indian camp. Nobody asked him to leave,’’ the official said. But Simran countered: ‘‘What is the use of continuing if I would not play in the team?”

Having spent four days at the Goa camp, Simran added that he may now not come back at all. “I’ve not decided anything yet. I was asked to join the senior team but I have decided to go back to Denmark. I was looking forward to wearing the Indian colours, but now I would like to return to Denmark and play for a club that has place for me,” he said.