When it comes to football training during the pandemic, Kolkata is the place to be for the national team
Kolkata’s love for football is well-known. In the City of Joy, the sport is more of a way of life for many. And Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), or Salt Lake Stadium, is one of the best places to be on a match day.
The practice facilities at the stadium are also among the top in the country. During the pandemic, when life has been a struggle for many, these facilities have come in for high praise from none other than the head coach of the national team, the Croatian World Cupper Igor Stimac.
Talking to a media outlet recently, during the coaching camp for two international friendlies against Nepal, he appreciated not only the facilities but also the Bengal government for making the place available amidst the constraints of a bio-bubble.
“The facilities here are simply excellent for training,” Stimac said. “Kolkata has always been a preferred destination when it comes to football. Especially now, when the pandemic has made it difficult to find camping locations, I find Kolkata to be one of the best places to train.”
Star goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, speaking up for many of the players, said, “Kolkata has top-notch facilities and we are loving it here.”
From Dheeraj, who came into the limelight during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was also played at the VYBK, the surroundings came in for equal praise.
“The first thing I do in the morning is look out of the window and get a view of the majestic VYBK. The walk to the training ground is lovely,” he said.
Kolkata being the Mecca of football in India, the place holds fond memories for quite a few of the current crop of players as well.
Known though for many other things, food being one of the highlights, touring the city has been a strict no-no due to the stringent routine; something which, however, finds appreciation.
“For us, staying fit is of utmost priority and that requires us to constantly monitor our diets. But we are definitely tempted to try out all the yummy food Kolkata boasts of,” said Adil Khan, a defensive midfielder.
It’s football on their minds round the clock, what with important matches like the qualifiers for the 2023 Asian Cup coming up, but hard work becomes all the more enjoyable when such top-class facilities are available.
