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A tête-à-tête with Aloke Mukherjee, one of India's greatest halfbacks
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MARATHON MAN Aloke Mukherjee has had a long innings in football, but doesn't look like slowing down PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU
It was a sight that any budding athlete would love to emulate. Aloke Mukherjee, one of the greatest halfbacks of Indian football, warming up with his other teammates for a game scheduled for the next day- a true reflection of his commitment to the game and to an event that would matter little to other players of his stature.
One of the finest footballers of the 80s, Aloke is in the city to represent the east zone in the FCI inter-zonal football championship at the Lal Bahadur Stadium. Aloke has represented the country in two Asian Games, but what makes him stand out from the rest is his determination to play his best in every game.
As coach of the Indian team for four years, there is probably no one better than him to judge the standard of sports and football in India. "It would be too much to expect much from the current Indian team even after the SAF Cup triumph in Pakistan recently. The teams there were not of the highest standard. The real test will be the forthcoming Asia Cup where Japan, Yemen and Saudi Arabia will be in the fray," he pointed out in an exclusive chat with Metro Plus
"Even today, we struggle to find a match-winner if something happens to Baichung Bhutia. For how many days should we bank on one player's individual brilliance?" he asks. In the same breath, he reminds us about the presence of Ashim Biswas, who is back after an injury. After scoring 11 goals in the National Football League, Aloke stresses that Ashim, "is a player to watch out for." We'll accept his statement without question considering it's coming from someone who was twice adjudged `Footballer of the Year' in India in 1983 and 1994, and who inspired Mohammadan Sporting to 14 consecutive league titles in Kolkata.
But is he really pleased with the talent in the country? "Definitely. And, interestingly most of it is coming from the Northeast because of the efficiency of the Academies there. This is what is needed across the country. The more the number, the better it will be for Indian football," he says and points out the contribution of the Tata Football Academy.
Does he think we need a foreign coach? "Definitely not. Of late, Indians have been touring the world and are well versed with the latest know-how. The only thing that we need to look into is to ensure that there is some continuity in the job," says Aloke, apparently referring to the way he was forced to pull out after being named to handle the India seniors.
This gentleman player of yesteryears, who was instrumental in India winning the SAF Games gold in 1985, feels that playing for Mohammadan Sporting was the most fulfilling on field. "Somehow I just enjoyed the competitive spirit of the league in those days." Not surprisingly, this genial halfback was always the first choice for almost a decade every time the redoubtable PK Banerjee picked the Indian team.
And, like many football lovers across the country, he is optimistic and sees a bright future for the game. He also has a message to those concerned - he is available in any capacity to bring back the past glory to the sport, for he has a dream- to see India win at least one Asian Games gold!
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
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