As the new batch of Indian Arrows prepares for the challenges that face them in the upcoming I-League, a few of the boys will be drawing their inspiration from more familiar quarters -- home.
All India Football Federation's developmental side Indian Arrows has been infused with a new batch of boys this season, boys that have come through the ranks from the U-17 national team, with the aim of preparing them for the 2022 AFC U-19 Championship. The players had first assembled in Bhubaneswar, where they had a brief training camp with the aid of the Odisha Government, before they made their way to Kolkata for the pre-season, leading up to the I-League.
Three of the midfielders from the Arrows -- Harsh Patre, Lalchhanhima Sailo, and Lalchhanhima Chawnghlut -- are from police backgrounds, with their fathers working as the protectors of the realm even during the times of the pandemic.
Playmaker Chawnghlut, who is also fondly called 'Channa' in the dressing room, has a special reason to take pride in the good work that his father Laldingliana has done during the pandemic. The latter, who is a retired police officer in Chite Veng, Aizawl, volunteered for COVID duty to help his former mates during the times of such medical emergency.
"It was really inspiring to see my father volunteering at such difficult times. He is retired now and had no reason to get back out there and put his own life at risk, but he did so all the same," said Channa.
"He would often have to go on 24-hour duties on alternate days during the lockdown, and that was not an easy time for us. Even when he came back home, there was the matter of taking all the precautions, stising, and only then we could go and meet him," he added.
Lalchhanhima Sailo, who is one of the few players who were in Arrows last season, is another member of the squad whose father was risking his life on the lines. The 17-year-old's father, Lalnunmawia, is a Sub Inspector, posted in the Mamit district of Mizoram, along the state's borders with Tripura and Assam.
"Border duty, even state borders, could be very taxing for the police officers. Of course, they have their regular duties to perform, but during the lockdown, they had to double-up on COVID duty as well," said Sailo.
Goan midfielder Harsh Patre's father Shailesh is a Constable in Goa Police, who has also played his role during the pandemic.
"The thing that many don't realise is that the COVID warriors have to come back to their families after their shifts are done, and that is where everyone needs to be careful," said Harsh, who along with his mother, sister and grandmother, would take all the necessary stisation precautions once his father would come back home.
"We have to be especially protective of grandmother, who is probably the most at risk, when it comes to COVID-19 due to her age. But as a family, we would stay strong and move forward together past such difficult times," stated Harsh.
( With inputs from ANI )
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