MARGAO
Twenty years after India's LG Cup triumph in Vietnam, football fans still remember the happy occasion when a young Indian team stunned hosts Vietnam in the final to win the title at Thong N Stadium, India's first major continental trophy since Pesta Sukan, Singapore meet in 1971.
Dempo coach Samir Naik, a member of that winning squad, said he has sweet memories of the LG Cup, especially the final. Abhishek Yadav had scored the winner after Bhaichung Bhutia's brace to seal a famous win. India were preparing for the 2002 Busan Asian Games and defeated the hosts, who were the favourites.
“Bhaichung inspired us and everyone played his part,” said Naik. Mahesh Gawli was the other Goan in the team.
"We played a great match against Vietnam in the summit clash. We won the match and the tournament which was surely a great occasion in the history of Indian football," said Naik. "Beating Vietnam in their backyard gave a different feeling altogether. Over the years our national team has improved a lot and I am confident the boys will put up a great show against Vietnam in the international friendly and beat them," the Dempo coach said.
In his professional career, the former India defender won almost every major trophy in the domestic circuit and had a prolific career with the national team. After hanging up his boots, Naik took up coaching and also served as State Santosh Trophy coach.
“Football is not about past tense. We need to live in the present,” he laughs. “The triumph was our small contribution to Indian football. It gave us the self-confidence to believe that we could win beyond the SAFF region,” Naik said.
Naik also talked about the shift towards women's football in India that is set to take place because of the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup. "It has shown to the parents that there is ample scope in India for women's football that can be explored and this tournament is the perfect way to excel in women's football in India," said Naik.
He urged all football fans across the nation to get behind the Indian Under-17 women's squad set to participate in the World Cup. "I think this event is very important for the young kids that want to play football in this country. I hope this event will encourage girls from our country to pick up football and also help us improve the standard of women's sports in India," Naik added.
"I request everyone to come to the stadiums for the games so that there is immense support for the young girls participating in this World Cup. We will be cheering the players on and showing our unwavering support for the team. I am sure that if we encourage the players they will give more than hundred percent in the matches,” Naik concluded.
