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Structural development, promoting local talent necessary in Indian football: Cahill
Kolkata, Sep 22 (IANS) Australian football legend Tim Cahill, who is also Jamshedpur FC’s marquee signing for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season on Saturday claimed Indian football to be in a “good place” but stressed on the importance to further develop the structure and bring up local talent.
The 38-year-old Australian record goal scorer also said he is under no pressure for being one of the biggest players in the ISL and pointed out that good infrastructure and professional approach by the club owners attracted him to the Jamshedpur club.
“I think Indian football is in a good place but structure is the most important thing and in Jamshedpur, I signed up for that structure,” Cahill told reporters here on the sidelines of ISL media day.
“I have played in all these countries across Asia…I understand a lot of the cultures. One of the biggest things I looked at while coming to India was the set up. The only thing I asked from the Tata group in Jamshedpur is professionals.
“And no stones have been left unturned. In terms of professionalism, I have no complaints. The food, the way we live, the way we travel… these are the most important things,” he added.
The footballer, who announced his international retirement after playing in Russia World Cup this year, said he would like to contribute on the park as much as off it for the ISL club.
“There is no pressure. I want to give you guys hope to promote the league, to promote the teams. We have to show on the park and also off the park what we are creating as a football club and promote local talents,” the former Everton star said.
“It is necessary to have good structure, professionalism. Something the fans can be proud of. I think we are in a good place this season.
“Good players are coming to the league. Lots of foreigners and it is our job of the foreigners to help pull up the talents. So with this you can have Indian talents for the national team here,” he said of the prospects of the league.
Asked whether his age will come in his way with the long ISL season stretching from September 29 to March next year, the former Everton player said: “It’s only 18 matches per season with good number of breaks in between. I’m used to playing 30-40 matches per season.”
“It’s not long for me, it’s very short I would say. I would give my best,” he added.
Pointing out that it can be tough to settle in a new league and a new country, Cahill said the main aim will be to be organised, play nice football and win games.
“First we have to focus on ourselves. We have been training well in the gym and also in the training pitch in Jamshedpur. It is about the way we play. Set play, fitness is very important…”
“I know it is going to be tough. New league, new horizon. But we want to be organised. Play nice football and obviously win games,” he said.
Having scored a brace against him seven years ago in their 4-0 win over India in the Asia Cup, Cahill will play with goalkeeper Subrata Pal.
“I’m sorry for scoring,” Cahill told Pal, seated on the same dias.
“I’m lucky enough to play against India. It was a memorable match. We swapped jerseys, took photos. I’ve some great memories. The most important thing is respect,” he said.
Cahill received a warm welcome in Jamshedpur by the city fans with drum beats and dance.
“We are trying to be pioneers and be an example. We are focused in making a good structure something that the fans can be proud of. We want to make sure to tell the right story to the fans. It’s on TV everywhere, it’s global. Like cricket, like anything.” he added.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.