NEW DELHI (India): Former India coach Sukhwinder Singh said the 1-0 win over the UAE in 2001 FIFA World Cup qualifier was a golden day in Indian football.
The 71-year-old coach was recently named as this year’s recipient of Dhyan Chand Trophy for his contribution to Indian football.
“It was a golden day for Indian football. It changed the perception in front of the world,” said Sukhwinder, who coached JCT in club football.
“We didn’t start with Vijayan that day. In the second half, when I asked him to go for warm-up, the entire stadium sprung into life. The UAE defenders could not settle with his pace at all. And when Jules Alberto scored, I still remember how the stadium went berserk,” he told AIFF website.
“UAE pushed harder, they were attacking in numbers but Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gawli soaked in the pressure till the final whistle.
“In the reverse leg, we needed one point to qualify to the next round. We felt unlucky to have conceded a late goal. Even after playing with 10 men for most of the match, we could have held them to a draw. But the late goal dashed our dream. At times, football can be very cruel,” said Sukhwinder.
He had guided JCT to some memorable victories in Indian club football by winning the DCM Trophy and Durand Cup. But the trumph in 1996 National Football League with JCT would always be remembered as one of the best in his coaching career.
On the award he said, “I’m very proud to have received it. But it could not have been possible without my players. They respect me and I respect them too. The award is not only mine — it’s more for the players who delivered on the pitch.”
