‘Training, fitness helped us’

Following their Durand Cup triumph, the Army Green football team was felicitated by Lieutenant General SPS Katewa, commandant ASC Centre and College here on Monday.

The victory saw Army Green collect the largest cash award in the history of the tournament.

“It was really good experience for the boys. We trained for this for two months. During the period too, we trained assuming that every team we face would be a better side than us, so all that helped us when we faced a superior side. We also had upper hand on the fitness front,” said coach Sajith Kumar adding that they adopted a defensive mentality to suit their strengths.

“This is one of the oldest tournaments still running in our country and teams like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have won the Durand Cup in the past. That in itself has a sense of motivation. Moreover, the big guys weren’t playing this time, so we thought we can do it this time and luckily for us, the boys delivered,” he remarked.

Having one successful tournament behind them, Kumar revealed future plans for the team.

“We have a Services championships coming up next month, so that’s the first target. After that hopefully a few from here will make it to the Services side. And we’re also looking to get into the local league here now that the team is based out of Bengaluru,” he said.

With their impressive shows, the MEG man also revealed that several clubs had evinced interests in the players.

“Army is willing to send the players out if they get a good deal. The players are interested and we hope that the talks materialise and the boys get to go out and play,” he opined.

While there are rumours of several clubs, from both Indian Super League and I-League, being interested in the players, the club officials, when contacted, denied the same.

Katewa also honoured Major K.D. Malik, captain Krutika Sures Patil and Hav. Piara Singh for their medal winning efforts in the equestrian championship.