Credits parents for his rise to stardom
Jamshedpur, Sept. 23: The land of Tatas, home to Tata Football Academy (TFA), has produced several top football players who have gone on to represent the country. Ever since Tata Steel owned Jamshedpur franchisee of the Indian Super League (ISL), there has been a debate across the football fraternity of Jamshedpur as to why not have a local football talent in Jamshedpur Football Club (JFC).
Two Jamshedpur FC reserve players Gourav Mukhi and Mobashir Rahman who are also locals have been included in the senior team squad and are geared up to represent their city in the big stage.
For forward Gourav Mukhi , resident of Harijan Bustee, an urban slum in Dhatkidih area of Steel City, it still looks like a dream that he has been included in Jamshedpur FC team for ISL 5 beginning on September 29. Hoping for a positive debut season, Gourav credits his parents for his rise from slum to stardom.
Talking to media persons at Flatlets in Kadma, Mukhi said, �It�s a dream come true for me and I want to use this opportunity to showcase my talent on the big stage. My parents played a vital role in shaping my career without whose support I would have still been playing local football at Dhatkidih ground.
Recalling his early days, the Jamshedpur FC forward says his father Chotelal Mukhi was his first mentor and he always used to run behind me whenever I was late for practice. My mother Vijayshri to ensure that I get a proper diet used to work in other people�s homes, said Gourav the youngest among five brothers and sisters.
Gourav�s father Chotelal Mukhi, uncle Pittan Mukhi and brother Tannu Mukhi had also played football. The new Jamshedpur FC recruit started playing football at Thakkar Bappa Club ground in Dhatkidih in 2009-10 and later played JSA league for three years.
He represented Mohammedan Sporting for two years and one season for Tata Steel.
Gourav scored six goals for Jamshedpur FC junior team at the second division I-League after he was selected for the reserve side earlier this year.
This performance of his paved the way for selection in Jamshedpur FC senior side.
JFC head coach Cesar Ferrando was impressed by Gourav Mukhi when he scored three goals in five practice matches in Spain including match winning two goals against football club Mostoles Balompie where JFC won 3-0 during the pre-season at Madrid.
According to Gourav, professional football is different from local football. �We play the game which makes us tired where we try to run long with the ball but in Spanish there is a trend of short passes also known as tiki-taka ( it’s a football style of play which involves short passing, ball control)�.
When asked about the message he would like to give to young footballers in his bustee (Dhatkidih), who are mad about the game, Gourav said, �Jam Ke Khelo and take proper care of your body including the food and the workout�.
Gourav thanked Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari for giving him a lifetime chance to represent his city in country�s biggest football league.
JFC forward wants to play quality football in front of his parents and friends. �I want my parents to be seated in the front row of the stadium and see me score goals against the top teams which will be the most pleasant moment of my life�.
When asked about his friends, Gourav said that he has several friends but Ashish Mukhi was my closest and want Ashish to present along with my parents at the stadium.
