With the approach of every FIFA World Cup that goes through a four-year-cycle, Pradip Chodankar’s residence in Mapusa comes alive with football fervor.
The Physical Education Director of S.F.X School (four years) and HSS (29 years), Siolim may have recently retired after a fulfilling 33 years of service, but there is nothing like a rest for the sexagenarian.
For the course of the ongoing FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, the inner lane leading up to the Chodankar residence and the immediate precincts wears a festive look as it celebrates the football spirit and football greats.
With colourful country flags representing the 32 countries at the current edition of the World Cup greeting every visitor walking up the lane, the exhibit area outside the home has over 30 large 3x1 metre boards comprising first-hand information of the current edition of the World Cup, snapshots of its rich history and also features current world greats like Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo and India’s talismanic captain, Sunil Chhetri.
As you walk further towards Chodankar’s house, one will come across large boards which profiles Chodankar’s accomplishments as a football coach with SFX HSS, Siolim and FC Siolim respectively. You will also come across boards which provide details on the draw and schedule of the current World Cup. Interestingly, there is also a predictor board whereby you can tick mark the team you pin hopes for the coveted Trophy.
As you take your right towards the main exhibit area, you cannot miss the official wolf-mascot of this edition staring back at you. Other information on referees, assistants as per their confederation featuring in the World Cup, the various countries’ coaches with their picture are also put up. There is also a pictorial with text documentation on the history of the World Cup, the various winners through the 20 editions thus far and the football used by the passing edition.
A particular attraction is the top 100 FIFA players boards neatly kept against one another which saw the visitors recalling particular memories that they had with their hero while in full flow. The board which read ‘Come On India Get Ready For 2022 World Cup Qatar’ with Chodankar himself flanked between two football greats of India, Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri comes for special mention. In fact, the Indian flag featured prominently as the backdrop where the inaugural function was held with a replica trophy and a tournament ball placed in front. Throwing light on the same, the silver-haired Council Member of GFDC working for India football has a very ambitious dream. “I wish to see India qualify soon for the World Cup and it is not beyond them,” Chodankar states.
Passionate about football since aged 10, Chodankar grew up to be a stopper-back who played for Tuff Laxmi Prasad in the 70’s during his prime. With SFX HSS, he is proud to have realized the talent in Agnes Dias who is now an international athlete in the +45 category. Interestingly, his out-and-out support for Brazil which is evident by a special section of décor for the ‘Samba Boys’ has percolated into his coaching style. “As a football coach at SFX HSS, I imbibed the style and formation of the beautiful game employed by Seleção,” the 60-year-old enthuses.
While this is his fifth straight World Cup edition exhibition, the Brazil die-hard fan still yearns to see the biggest football extravaganza LIVE. “The cost to travel now has made it difficult. But I will ensure I will witness it at least once come what may. I have friends In Qatar and there is also my sister in USA who would sponsor me,” he reveals. And with Qatar hosting the next World Cup and USA among the three hosts for the 2026, Chodankar may live the dream as a deserving football fan.
The inaugural function of his World Cup exhibit held on the lawns of his residence on June 14 had in attendance dignitaries which included Dr Rufino Monteiro (Chairman, GFDC), Tejas Narvenkar (FIFA referee), Derryl D’Souza (Technical Director, GFDC), Kavita Arlekar (Mapusa Municipal Councillor), Domnic D’Souza (social worker) and Suraj Chodankar (Headmaster,Shri Vasant Vidyalaya, Siolim). There was entertainment galore with music, song and dance acts. The exhibition will remain on view till July 15, 2018.
