Football Player Eashan Sartape

I woke up early when it was still dark, and the whole city was in sound slumber. We were heading for a big day… It was FSI (Football School of India) finals against India Rush. The zeal was such that Eashan, Icy couldn’t stay in bed for long. Just before sunrise, they were all seated in the living room. Aysha was excited to see the Football Stadium. It was Republic day. We could see all the preparations going on in front of our building from the window of our living room. Kids went down to view the flag hoisting ceremony.

All of us had our breakfast. Ajay had kept the camera and battery charging. Eashan packed his kit which I had washed a day before, put his shin guards inside his travel bag. He folded his playing jersey neatly and packed it along. It was decided by FSI that family members should be dressed in yellow to match the jersey colour of players to cheer them. So Icy, Ajay n Eashan rushed to the mall to get the yellow t-shirt for Icy. She was desperately waiting to be on the stands with herself dressed in yellow to support her brother.

Soon they returned. We had our lunch quite early before the lunchtime as we had to reach the venue Cooperage Stadium to cheer the U16 FSI team who was going to take on CFCI for the third position. Eashan wore his travel jersey. Icy and I dressed in yellow were all set to cheer FSI. Ajay packed the camera, the clamping gadzet and other necessary shooting gadgets to capture the big event of AJ Jr. I had packed the snacks, sports drinks etc. We booked Ola cab and reached there within an hour.

We reached on time, and kids greeted the coach – Hemant sir – with a handshake. We settled ourselves on stands, witnessing U16 FSI match with enthusiasm. It was a pleasantly cool afternoon. Icy was sitting with two of her friends. Later on, the players were taken to the dressing room.

Ajay was ready with all the settings on the camera done, the correct lens fixed, the clamping perfect. He spotted the right location which was desirable to have the ideal view to capture the highlights which were going to become Eashan’s most relishable memories in the future. At 5 pm the coach along with the kids came out of the dressing room. They were in the yellow jersey with the kit on. Every eye focussed on them and thunderous applause began as they stepped in their feet into the turf. The opposition team was on turf with their supporters cheering them. Both the teams had a handshake marking the beginning of the game. Everyone stood up for the national anthem, followed by a short prayer, which the kids made along with the coach, and every player took his own position. India Rush won the toss and struck the ball after the whistle. The game had begun. Both the teams were under equal pressure as it was the finals. To win the finals was their only aim. Earlier the possession of the ball was dominated by FSI, but our players were able to resist their attempts. Our striker’s close attempts didn’t convert into a goal. The whistle was blown for Half time.

The players refreshed themselves with water and energy drinks. They had a short discussion with the coach. Soon the whistle was blown to begin the second half. The players were in. Equal efforts from both sides made our eyes focused on the ball. We got a free kick, and our hearts started pounding hoping it would be converted into a goal. But their goalkeeper saved it. Every moment I was waiting for that one-second miracle to happen which would make our position dominant over the opposition. But nothing favoured to our side. They got a free kick, but our players restricted it from getting converted. Time fled faster. I was getting nervous as we were getting closer to final whistle n there was 0/0 on the scoreboard. We were all upset when the final whistle blew.

It was going to be decided by penalty shootouts. There was a brief discussion between the team and the coach. Penalties are always critical. The confidence of the players was going to be tested. Our players had performed tremendously well so far to give themselves in a good position in the game. Nerves were going to be tested down the field while hearts were going to be pumping high on the stands. There was enormous pressure built inside everyone from every moment at that time. The first penalty shoot-out from our team hit the goal. Later their turn was there which was saved. Each time our player was taking a shot, there was extreme pressure. Equal pressure was there on goalkeeper Darpan. The last shot was going to happen which was going to decide our fate – win or lose. The whistle blew for the last shoot. Om struck right and got that penalty on the spot. Immediately the final whistle blew, and a roar from the audience was heard all over the stadium. The boys had snatched the Champions title away from India Rush!!! What a moment!!! The audience on stands rose up, the players n coach were on field unitedly made a hand chain n continuous clapping banged Cooperage Stadium at around 8 pm. Sweat n efforts of all the players paid off!!

They were off the turf as one more match was going to be played. FSI team went back to the changing room with the coach. The joy n happiness on everyone’s face was going to linger in my memory for lifelong. Because this one was Eashan’s first first MDFA of his career. This splendid victory was really the icing over the cake. Youth icon Aditya Thackerey had arrived for Prize Distribution Ceremony. What a spectacular moment!!! FSI emerged as U14 winners of MDFA YPL 2018-19 received the golden trophy! Champions of YPL!!. Ajay took us for a lovely dinner in Mumbai’s classy Delhi Darbar to celebrate the victory. We were all tired after returning home but were immensely happy with the winning trophy. A fantastic ending of a beautiful day.

– Varsha Sartape