Rest day leaves buffs upset

Tue, Jul 1 02:05 AM

SELDOM DOES one see people flocking to the Ambedkar Stadium to watch the national team train. Sunday was on of those days, but unfortunately, the players were absent.

Arriving in anticipation, the news of the players skipping practice came as a shock to the bunch of football freaks from Noida. The lack of activity didn't upset them at first, but when informed, after hours of wait, that the players wouldn't be practicing, the fervent bunch left wearing disappointed looks.

"We were very excited that we would be meeting India footballers," said Kunal, who learns the trick of the trade at Noida's Ashoka Football Academy. "It's sad they are not practicing.

We didn't know that training wasn't scheduled today." Like Kunal, Kuber's wish was dashed when he was told his favourite players were enjoying the comfort of their hotel rooms.

"I had come to see N.P. Pradeep, Subrata Pal and Bhaichung Bhutia train but it's unfortunate it's a rest day," he said. When informed about his students' visit to the stadium, coach Anadi Baruah sounded surprised.

"I'm not aware. But I know they are very enthusiastic about football," he said.

The boys, however, vowed to come back on Monday. Players recovering Plagued by injuries to key players, the squad used the off day to relax and rest aching muscles.

"The players are recovering and the good news is there has been no addition to the injury list," said team manager Pradeep Choudhury.

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