Nazma Qureshi Sandesh Jhingan may well be one of Indian football’s biggest players, however, there were situations when a powerfully built defender was rejected by many of the clubs of the third division.
SANDESH JHINGAN WAS REJECTED BY KOLKATA’S CLUB
Jhingan, who has already had up to now 36 showcases in India jersey, has revealed to media that numerous second and third-tier clubs in Kolkata have refused him.
Sandesh Jhingan revealed in a chat with AIFF TV, “It was during the starting phase of my career. Back then I was looking for clubs and I appeared for quite a few trials at a number of clubs in Kolkata – even in the second and third divisions. But I was rejected by all.”
“That is when I realised that I had to work harder in order to realise my dream,” he further added.
He at the end ended up joining United Sikkim Football Club.
“That really was a dream come true for me. A couple of months back, I had been rejected by so many clubs in Kolkata, and now I was joking with Renedy Bhai and Bhaichung Bhai,” Sandesh Jhingan added about his move to United Sikkim.
“We used to train under coach Stanley Rozario when we saw Renedy (Singh) Bhai taking some freekicks,” he recalled.
“I just felt like going on my knees and kissing his feet. When I shook hands with Bhaichung bhai, I didn’t feel like washing my hands afterwards.”
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Jhingan said that the first time that he wore the captain’s badge was one of the most memorable moments of his life to date.
“The eyes are on you, and the stakes are high. But these are situations that I tend to enjoy a lot. There is, after all, an immense honour in wearing the captain’s armband.
“Not everybody gets the opportunity to lead a country of 1.3 billion. Perhaps when I look back, I could tell my kids about such experiences,” he further added in the conversation.
