14 Jul 2021 | 04:52am IST
Bend it like Sukhi: From Herald columns to a book
A book by Sukhwinder Singh consisting of articles written in a column about football in this paper has been compiled into a book. It takes a look at various issues around the game in the state
One of the more
erudite
footballers who
played in teams in the country as well as in Goa has now released a book on his
journey in the game. He also presents his views on various aspects of the game
in Goa. Sukhvinder Singh’s (fondly known as Sukhi ) book called “Goa Goals” is
a collection of articles written by him which have appeared over the years in
the “Herald” publication of Goa. From being the proverbial outsider in a state
that has declared football as it’s State Sport, to becoming one of its own
through years of developing and promoting football in the state, he has
captured the various hues of the Goan and Indian landscape. Once the CEO of
Indian Super League club FC Goa, the book covers his experience across various
aspects of the game.
Speaking from Kolkata
he said the articles were a travel van through the inherent Goan love for the
sport, promising an exciting future that is taking shape as the state and other
significant stakeholders pursue greater national fame in football through
steady and planned development processes.
He said “Everyone is
aware of the prowess of football in the maidans of Kolkata and that has been
written about extensively. But how many people know about the magic that is
performed on the football fields of Goa. This book is an attempt to highlight
those lacunae. It needs to be done. I hope people read it extensively.”
Sukhwinder said this
book was his first attempt at writing and it was possible in Goa because of the
general interest shown in his articles. He said most of the articles written
were part of this book and in addition to articles that were inspired by the PM
program called Atmanirbhar Bharat. There were incidents happening around Covid
and the program launched by the PM which inspired him to write certain articles
on entrepreneurship in football and its relevance. He has also talked about
finding talent, motivating it and ensuring the players continuously improve.
Sukhvinder talks in detail about the status of the industry, developments around
the coaches, the dynamics of grassroots football and yes also about women’s
football. The book also covers the subject of selections. He expressed the hope
the book would be made available to schools and colleges because while football
was great fun it was also a very serious business. Football he said could
provide employment in Goa and he hoped the government could help him promote
this book.
He ended by saying
this book is a tribute to Goa which he called home now. It was also the
appreciation of the passion that the citizens of the state had for the
‘beautiful game’.
‘Goa
Goals’ he said was a sincere attempt to glorify Goa in entirety and provide the
readers worldwide information on its football culture at a deeper level.