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Thursday, Jun 30, 2011
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Shilton enjoys big stage

Principal Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Football was in his blood and it turned into a passion. Shilton D'Silva, after representing India at the under-23 level, is now determined to make it big at the senior level.

A product of the Mahindra United youth system, Shilton is thrilled to be in the National camp. “From training to fitness — everything is good about the camp,” said the 18-year-old from Mumbai during an interaction with reporters at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Wednesday.

The Indian Arrows midfielder, who has the special ability to cover a large portion of the ground, is keen to adapt to the ways of National coach Armando Colaco.

“I get to learn new things everyday. It is a nice experience to train under (Desmond) Bulpin and then under Colaco,” said D'Silva, also a ‘blackbelt' in Karate and a good sprinter.

D'Silva has enjoyed a fine journey so far in chasing his dream. He played in the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) for the Mahindra under-15 side and was about to graduate to the senior side when the club was disbanded.

However, the talented linkman found his way to the I-League through Indian Arrows. D'Silva is equally enthusiastic to talk about his father Sydney D'Silva, a former Maharashtra and Bombay Customs footballer, as he talks about his passion and his plans for the future.

In contrast, it was better late than never for 30-year-old Peter Carvalho — the midfielder attending his first national camp.

He has a reason to smile at last after spending five years with Dempo. It is all the more comfortable for him withhis coach Colaco being at the helm of affairs.

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