Family, that plays together, stays together

Indian players might not be competing with the top football teams of the world in FIFA; but the fan following for the same is widespread across the nation. Bhopal too is gripped in the frenzied celebration with city witnessing rise in FIFA parties and cafes airing football matches late at night. However, there’s a festive mood of a different kind at the family of Jai Prakash Singh.His family which is known as the football family of Bhopal have become the ambassadors of the game. The entire family plays the game and each one in the team has made a mark in the field. Bhopal Times introduces you to the football family of the city…

A family of football mavericks
The 16 family members are not only football players, but many have taken it up as their profession; many are aspiring and working dedicatedly to make their place while the rest plays to promote the game. The credit of introducing football in the family goes to the head of the family, Jai Prakash Singh who was a wrestler back in the 80’s but due to some hand injury, he had to quit. “I tried my hands in football, and eventually, I succeeded. I later got a job in a textile mill but did not let my passion of playing to go away. I had to quit my job and dedicated time to playing and teaching football to my family members and all other students who were passionate about the game,” says Jai Prakash Singh.
Following the footsteps of their elder brother, Singh’s younger brothers Anil and Rajendra Singh joined him. “Football is not just a game for us but it something which we all live every day. FIFA might be another game for people, but it is a month-long festival for our family. We not only watch the game together but after it is over, we have an intense discussion related to the match as well,” adds Rajendra Singh.

Training amidst difficulties
Most of the players in the family have participated in many district, state and national level games. While some are working as coaches and referees, many are into different professions. Anil Singh is a businessman, but whenever his team needs him he is always there to support and guide them. “I try my best to go to the ground early in the morning and guide the students, but some time due to workload I am stuck. Before leaving for my shop I brief the players who are present at home, and then they pass the message to the other players on the ground.” Says Anil. The players of the third generation are mostly school and college-going, and they end up juggling between sports and studies. College student Bhupendra Singh makes sure that at least he practices for three to four hours in the evening after college. He says, “Practice makes a man perfect, and if we leave our practice sessions then that will surely negatively affect our performance. During the time when we have a match, a lot my time goes into practising, but with everyone’s support I can sail through the difficult times smoothly.”

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The girls of the Singh family have left no stone unturned to make a mark in the field of football. Their active participation and success exhibit their keen interest in the game. Shalini Singh has been playing since nine years now and has participated in many national level tournaments. “I recently passed the state level referee exam, and I think that this is just a beginning. Being a female player comes with a lot of challenges. However, I have learnt everything by observing how my uncle and brothers play. In these years I have realised that the best way to test your stamina is to play with senior players,” says Shalini.
Just like the other family members 15-year-old Kumkum Singh too watch football matches regularly. Bitten by the football bug, she says, “It has been three years now since I have started understanding the game. I idolise Lionel Messi and one day I wish to see myself at his place. Seeing so many members of my family excelling in this field fills my heart with pride and inspiration.”
Devendra Singh’s seven-year-old daughter Nayan too has started playing. Seeing her father, grandfathers, uncles and aunts practising and discussing; she too developed an interest in the game. Devendra says, “I don’t want to force my daughter to choose football as a profession. Till she wants she can play otherwise, she is free to do whatever she wishes to do in her life in the coming years.”

- Farzana Patowari
Pics: Vishesh Sharma