U-16 players' parents grateful to AIFF

All India Football Federation (AIFF) had made arrangements for the parents to witness their sons in action against Saudi Arabia on Sunday and they were delighted by the opportunity.

The Indian football U-16 team strike a pose with their parents.

The parents of the young Indian team battling at the on-going AFC U-16 Championship are a happy bunch after seeing their boys admirably in the opening two matches of the tournament.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) had made arrangements for the parents to witness their sons in action against Saudi Arabia on Sunday and they were delighted by the opportunity.

“Thank you AIFF,” the parents said in chorus on getting to meet their sons after months. >#AFCU16>#BackTheBlue>pic.twitter.com/w27dafgFFo

— Indian Football Team (@AiffMedia) >September 19, 2016

“I could not hold my tears on seeing my son after 6-7 months. They have been constantly travelling and we can only get their news through AIFF website and social media handles and newspapers. But when I saw him after a long time, it was a different feeling,” said Mohammed Khoro, Mohammed Rakip' father.

The boys were given a day off by coach Nicolai Adam to meet and spend time with their parents. “It’s important that they get football out of their head for the day. Their parents are here. Let them go and meet them,” said Nicolai.

The parents fell short of words while reverencing All India Football Federation, Nicolai Adam and the entire team management for safeguarding the prodigies from every possible predicament.

Thangjam Mohesh, Boris Singh's father, even didn't hesitate to say that even they can't take care of Boris as Nicolai as the team does.

"I was astonished seeing the facilities over here. Honestly, we couldn't afford to offer such a picture-perfect setup to our son, not in our distant dreams. Although we don't meet, we still get the feeling that he is nourished better under the AIFF's umbrella – honing his skills under coach Nicolai,” he said.

Khumanthem Manglemba Meetei, father of the jovial midfielder Ninthoi, reiterated the fact while speaking to www.the-aiff.com. "Off course we miss our son. But the fact that he's representing our Country gives us a sublime feeling. We know it could not have been possible without AIFF’s help. Hope that our boys pay back.”

The story takes a surprise turn when www.the-aiff.com interacted with C.P. Shangkailal Aimol, father of Aimol Chongampipa who returned to India with a broken shinbone – an injury which he suffered during the match against MSV Duisburg on August 21, 2016.

"I knew that my son is not even able to stand properly, let alone playing football. Still I came to Goa. What if my son isn't playing? Other boys are playing. I want to see them winning. They are also my sons, aren't they?"

The U-16 team will play the last group match against Iran on Wednesday.