Gurpreet: 'Minerva F.C. a focal point for Punjab Football'

The poster boy of Punjab Football, Stabaek F.C. player, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu spoke to www.the-aiff.com about the Football scenario in Punjab, his playing days in the Hero I-League and Minerva Punjab F.C.

Published : Jan 27, 2017 14:23 IST

Gurpreet hopes that Minerva F.C. will get full support and sustainability to keep going on in the future as well.
Gurpreet hopes that Minerva F.C. will get full support and sustainability to keep going on in the future as well.
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Gurpreet hopes that Minerva F.C. will get full support and sustainability to keep going on in the future as well.

Punjab is back into the Indian Footballing map again with Chandigarh-based Minerva F.C. gaining entry to participate in the Hero I-League 2016/17.

The poster boy of Punjab Football, Stabaek F.C. player, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu spoke to www.the-aiff.com about the Football scenario in Punjab, his playing days in the Hero I-League and Minerva Punjab F.C.

Excerpts:

Football has a legacy in Punjab. How did you react when you heard the Minerva Punjab F.C. would be competing in the Hero I-League?

It was perhaps over time. There should have been a club or maybe more clubs from the Northern part of India because the players from the region are talented and they need a platform to showcase their talent.

Will Minerva F.C. be a focal point for Punjab Football?

Being the only Club in the Hero I-League from North India, yes it (Minerva F.C.) will be a focal point and I hope it gets the sustainability to keep going on in the future as well.

Is Football perceived as a passionate game in Punjab?

Football is not as popular as other games in Punjab. But the people of Punjab are passionate in what they do, be it playing a sport. It is the job of all stakeholders involved to extend the horizons of Football in the state of Punjab and give Football the boost it needs in the State.

The inclusion of Minerva F.C. has already added to the passion of the game in Punjab, but still more steps need to be taken to propagate the game.

How is Youth Football in Punjab?

Youth Football in Punjab has a lot of potential and if given the chance and the right kind of coaching, it can go a long way in producing top level Players.

How were your experiences when you played for Indian Arrows in the Hero I-League?

The experience when I played for Indian Arrows was fruitful and healthy. It helped me become a better Player as did my training with the Indian National Team at that time. All of these experiences have contributed to what I am as a Player today.

Any particular moment which stands out in nostalgia?

Getting to be the first one from that batch of the Indian Arrows to go to the Indian Senior National Team at that time was a nostalgic feeling which certainly stands out.

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