‘Playing for India is daunting’
India’s U-17 football team member Saurabh Meher is about to realise a longcherished dream but the enormity of playing for India at home in a Fifa World Cup isn’t lost on him.
Meher overcame a lot of hardships to reach where he is but insists his eyes are set on his ‘ultimate goal’ of playing in front of the home crowd for his country. “The countdown has begun and as the event comes nearer, the enormity of the whole event is daunting. It is scary at times but we are supporting each other towards this journey” Meher told the All India Football Federation’s website on Friday.
He still remembers the days when he yearned to play football after returning from school.
“As soon as the final bell rang I used to rush back home. Within minutes you would find me on the field with my friends. We would play as long as we could,” he added. Initially, he didn’t receive unanimous support from his home.’His elder brother, Harshad, was also hooked on football. Meher and his brother always had mother on their side. But his father insisted that he concentrate on academics and get a good job.
“My father wanted me to leave football as he believed that there is no future in it but my mother’s support has brought me here. Now they all believe in me and I will repay their faith.”
India are clubbed with USA, Colombia and Ghana in group A. They begin their campaign on October 6, the opening day of the tournament, against the United States. Meher, from Maharashtra, promised to give his all on the field for his team.
“Everyone who plays football dreams to play in the World Cup and our dream is coming true very soon. Me and all my team mates will all hope for the best and enjoy ourselves out there on the field.”