Jharsuguda :�Tanakadhar Bagh, the midfielder player playing at under � 18 Indian Football Team was given a grand welcome by the citizens of Jharsuguda on Wednesday when he arrived at Jharsuguda after winning SAFF U-18 football Championship 2019 held at Kathmandu from 21st � 29th September.
The U-18 Indian Football Team defeated Bangladesh by 2-1in the title clash held on 29th September and winning it for the first time.
On arrival at Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, Tankadhar Bagh was greeted by citizens and friends of Jharsuguda and later conducted a bike rally from Beheramal Chowk to Kishanpada, Sarbahal. Various Organisation Like Youngs Stars Charitable Trust and others had also felicitated him.
“I have never imagined in my dream that so many people will come to welcome me, I feel very happy. In the Championship, there were six teams, in our pool, there were two teams Bangladesh and Srilanka including us. We had played with Bangladesh, in which the first match was a draw and in the second match we faced Srilanka, and in Semi-Final we beat the Maldives by 4-0� and In Final Match, we beat Bangaladesh 2-1� and clinch the SAFF U-18 Championship Trophy for the first time. However, as I was a defence player I did not get any chance to do a goal. But I was given a chance of being a Caption for the match with Srilanka which we won.”
Maheswar Bagh, the father of Tankadhar Bagh said that “I feel very happy that finally my son has got a chance to get selected to Indian Football Team and had won the SAFF U-18 Football Championship and all my blessing is with him so that he can excel in football even better. Since childhood he was interested in playing football, he had played in local Football Club and then he moved to Bolangir Sports Hostel and after which he finally selected in Indian Football Team. Since the beginning, we have been supporting him and wanted him to excel in football itself and today he has proved it. In future also he will continue to shine in football and would make our state proud. “
Ratnakar Pradhan,” Every people of Jharsuguda is very happy on the success of this tribal boy who has made us proud.� In spite�of belonging from not a good family background, but still, he has made to under -18 Indian Football Team and won the SAFF U-18 Football Championship. Last year he had tried for getting selected in Indian Team but unfortunately, he was not selected but this time he had made it. After the completion of the upcoming Integrated Sports Complex in Jharsuguda, it will surely boost the local football players and they could also get a chance for a bright future.”
“I am very happy that he had made it to Indian Football Team and had played and won the recent Championship held at Kathmandu. I feel proud that he is from our Place. Recently, two players of our District has been selected to play in Santosh Trophy. Likewise, there are several football players in Jharsuguda and I think in near future Jharsuguda will become a hub of Football players. For benefit and improvement of Football, District Athletic Association is trying for Integrated Sports Complex, once it is built then it will be very helpful for every athletic and football player.” Said �Ganesh Naik, Cashier, Jharsuguda District Athletic�� ��
