| Duo selected to represent the U-14 Indian team in Tehran; 2 Assam lads miss the bus | |||
| OUR CORRESPONDENT | |||
Shillong, May 12: Meghalaya footballer Elnester Malngiang and Assam lad Allen Deori found their places in the national squad that will represent the nation in the forthcoming under-14 boys’ football festival in Tehran from May 18. The festival, organised by the Asian Football Confederation, will see teams from many countries of the continent taking part. Informing this, Meghalaya Football Association official Sunesh Syiem said initially, there were two Meghalaya boys among the probables. Apart from 12-year-old Elnester, who hails from Sohiong in East Khasi Hills district, Gameliel Kharlyngdoh of Mawlai was the other player who was supposed to fly to the Iranian capital on Saturday. However, Gameliel was reported to have a torn ligament and has been advised two months’ rest before he can resume play. Syiem said the two lads were products of the association’s under-14, under-15 and under-17 tournaments in the state. “The purpose of such tournaments is to select boys who have the potential to represent the nation in various tournaments,” he added. Deori, who hails from Guwahati, will be representing the nation for the second time after being part of the same age group team last year, adds a staff report from Guwahati. The 13-year-old is a product of the premier football-training institute of the city — Guwahati Youngstar Football Coaching Centre. Deori was accompanied by two more players from Assam — Binit Roy and Dwnsirwng Basumatary — but the duo failed to make the squad and had to return this time. “They still stand a fair chance in more trial camps and I am sure they too will make the cut,” said Assam Football Association secretary Ankur Dutta. |
