Kolkata: Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan expressed that the sport in the country is moving forward at a slow but steady pace paving important opportunities for youngsters in years to come. The 28-year-old signed for Croatian top division side HNK Sibenik on a two-year deal.
“Since I made my national team debut with this new batch, we had the AFC Asian Cup, the great run where we didn’t lose in 14-15 matches, we saw the U-17 boys doing great and women’s football in India is doing fantastic. Overall, any neutral can see that the growth is there in Indian football. It’s a steady process. We are on the right track and improving every day,” said Jhingan.
“The growth in the national teams is there to see at all levels — by ranking and the way we are playing at all levels — from the men’s team, women’s national team, our junior boys and girls teams. We are improving really well and I am really happy about that,” he added.
Jhingan came into the limelight when he was adjudged AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2014. Since then, his graph has gone upwards making himself head coach Igor Stimac’s one of the trusted and favourite wards. He also became the sixth Indian to play in Europe.
“My playing in Europe helps a lot but it also comes down to having a personal desire. Everyone must do what they feel is best for their careers and if you have the desire to be in Europe as a player or any other desire, then you should follow it. You dream big and work more and harder than the dream itself,” added the former ATK Mohun Bagan star.
“I am happy I am here. It’s a tough and strong league and playing here will challenge me to my limits and help me improve as a player and as a human being. I just want to perform at my optimum level and focus on the process. It will be challenging but I trust myself and my work ethic.
“With that, I will come back to the national team and fight for my place there. If I feel I have improved more, then I will play better for the national team too and the team will also look good because one of their players is playing better,” added Jhingan.
Even though Jhingan is living his dream to play in Europe, Jhingan won’t stop improving on a personal level and be a better version of him. “The experience here (in Croatia) has been really good so far. I had spoken to the head coach before as well when I was in India and had an idea about how the staff is and the football the team plays.
“It’s a beautiful city with the sea nearby. The team’s staff is very nice to me, the training pitches are great and the players are very nice to me. They want me to adapt and do well. I really like how they have invested in youth and have a number of homegrown players in the squad. It’s fantastic and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead,” he said.
Jhingan had been absolutely vital for the Blue Tigers’ defence and easing the job up for custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. With the defender preparing for the Croatian league, the Indian team are most likely set to miss out on him as they play Nepal in September and also during the SAFF Championships beginning on October 3.
