The media had a chat with one of the promising youngsters from the Indian football circuit as they interviewed Jamshedpur FC forward Farukh Choudhary. Here’s what transcribed during the interview:
On how he found Jamshedpur...
This is the first time I am here. The training facility is brilliant. We train at the Tata Football Academy which is the mecca of football in India. We haven’t explored the city entirely yet, but we went to visit the Tata Steel plant and Russi Modi’s Centre for Excellence. We are lucky to have gone there. Not everyone gets a chance like this.
On how he got into football...
I started my professional career with Central Bank of India (CBI) who participate in the MDFA Elite Division (Mumbai’s top division). I used to play in Ambernath League a few years ago. Once while playing the final, where I scored a hattrick, the coach of CBI noticed me and asked me to play for them. And that’s how it began! Then I went on to play for Lonestar Kashmir (I-League Div. 2), Kerala Blasters (ISL) and most recently Mumbai FC (I-League).
On his ISL experience last year...
It was a phenomenal experience last year. I played for Kerala Blasters as a junior player. The gaffer (Steve Coppell) put me on the pitch for 2 matches, which was an honour for someone my age. I remember watching the first two seasons of ISL on TV and was determined to participate in it one day.
On Indian football’s growing trajectory...
India is growing in grassroots football which is a great thing. We learn a lot from the foreigner players too. They have been exposed to football from the age of 6 and 8 and their experience helps us too. It’s good to see my country following the same path now. ISL is helping football develop and grow. It’s important to see how well it is being marketed with the way the matches are telecast on Star Sports. It has also been influential in helping India’s ranking improve.
On the Jamshedpur FC squad...
The players seem confident and are raring to go. Everyone is excited for the first ISL season. The coach was telling us in training as how it is to be the first squad of the club and how we have the chance to make history. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go. I personally have high hopes from our debut season in the ISL. I will wait for my chance and when I get it, I’ll make sure to make the most of it.
On Steve Coppell’s first training session...
He was my coach at Kerala Blasters too. His first session was quite good. He wants unity amongst the players and wants everyone to look out for each other.
On importance of support from Jamshedpur’s people...
Fans are a huge supporting factor. I hope to see the stadium filled to the brim. And I have heard people are crazy for football and sports here so I am pretty sure we will have strong and loud support.
