We will play to win, will fight till the end: Amarjit
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP 6 days to go
Amarjit Singh Kiyam was taken by surprise when he was chosen by his team-mates to lead the India U-17 World Cup side in an internal poll ordered by head coach Luis Norton de Matos.
He, however, insisted that he believes in unity of the team and not on individuals.
“I was very much surprised when the coach told me that I was the captain of the team. It was an amazing feeling for me. But at the end of the day we play as a team, we win as a team and we lose as a team. Individuality matters little, unity is the strength of this team,” Amarjit said.
Hailing for Haokha Mamang village in Manipur’s Thoubal district, Amarjit faced hardships during his childhood days as his farmer father and fish-seller mother toiled hard to run their family and at the same time saved some money from their meagre income to support their son’s passion -- football.
Amarjit asserted that he will stamp his authority when the need arises.
“I speak when it is needed, I don’t speak unnecessarily. I don’t mince words . There is no particular philosophy of my captaincy. In fact, I want everyone to be a captain in their own right and dominate their part of the pitch,” he said.
Asked if India can give a tough competition against the likes of USA, Colombia and Ghana in Group A, Amarjit said India will dish out a performance worthy of a side hosting a FIFA event. “Every team in the World Cup poses challenges of its own. We respect our opponents and they will be tough competitors. But we will play to win and will fight on the pitch till the end,” the 16-yearold midfielder said.
Growing up in a football-mad state in a remote corner of the country, Amarjit had dreamt of donning national colours since his childhood. “I used to think that one day I will represent the country and I am here now about to play in the U-17 World Cup. I still cannot believe it because it all feels like a dream,” he said.
MANIPUR REWARDS U-17 CUP STARS
Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip on Friday announced cash awards of ~5 lakh each for eight players from Manipur in the 21-member football team of the country for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held across six cities from October 6.
Announcing this on Friday afternoon, Sports Minister Letpao said, “The Government is planning a super special incentive for our players if they win gold medals.” However he did not elaborate on the said ‘super special incentive’.