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I-League U-19: Triumph Proves JCT’s Commitment To Youth Development, Says JCT’s Technical Director Sukhwinder Singh
Sukhwinder praises the lads for their winning effort and says the club will think about their future…
26-Jun-2011 10:27:00 AM
By Patterson Fernandes
Despite of disbanding their senior team, JCT continues to impress at the national level after winning the Under-19 I-League in Kolkata on Saturday. JCT’s technical director Sukhwinder Singh believes this victory proves how serious the club is about youth development.
The Punjabi side held East Bengal to a goalless draw in the last match of the final round. A better goal difference helped JCT pip East Bengal for the title.
JCT topped the Group ‘D’ to move into the final phase which was held at Kolkata where they competed against the toppers of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’, i.e, Churchill Brothers, Mumbai FC and East Bengal respectively. In the final phase, JCT defeated Churchill 2-0 and later upset Mumbai 4-1. The healthy goal difference meant that Punjab needed only a draw against East Bengal to clinch the title.
“In the last few days the nation expressed their feelings over JCT’s breakdown and we realised how much we were respected only after the club was disbanded. The aim is to concentrate on developing football and this result proves it,” Sukhwinder told Goal.com.
“After qualifying for the final phase, the team travelled to Kolkata and won the title on East Bengal’s home turf in front of their fans which is a big achievement. To add to it they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament,” he added.
JCT is the only club from the northern part of the country. Considering that JCT will not be fielding their senior team anymore, the under-19 players will have a tough time in finding a place in a senior set up. Many of the youngsters may have to give up their dream of playing as professional footballers. However, Sukhwinder is keen that the club management will find a solution to the problem.
“Certainly this will not be neglected. The management has said that it wants to focus on development at grassroots level but they will also ponder upon the future on the under-19 players; after all it is very good news that JCT are under-19 champions. We’ll need to wait for a few days though, I am sure something will be thought for these players,” revealed the former India Under-23 coach.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the Punjab sports ministry is keen on saving it’s only competitive football club. Apparently, the state sports director Pargat Singh has assured JCT all the support the sports department can render in keeping the club alive. Sukhwinder revealed that the discussions have been conducted at the higher level of authorities. He admits that JCT’s survival is crucial for football in Punjab but refrains from blaming the club management for their withdrawal.
“Whatever talks have been going on, are going on at the higher level. I am not part of it. But the efforts are on, we will see what happens. If JCT continues it will be good for Punjab and Indian football. We cannot blame JCT for their decision to disband their team and we also cannot forget their immense contribution to Indian football,” he concluded.
The Punjabi side held East Bengal to a goalless draw in the last match of the final round. A better goal difference helped JCT pip East Bengal for the title.
JCT topped the Group ‘D’ to move into the final phase which was held at Kolkata where they competed against the toppers of Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’, i.e, Churchill Brothers, Mumbai FC and East Bengal respectively. In the final phase, JCT defeated Churchill 2-0 and later upset Mumbai 4-1. The healthy goal difference meant that Punjab needed only a draw against East Bengal to clinch the title.
“In the last few days the nation expressed their feelings over JCT’s breakdown and we realised how much we were respected only after the club was disbanded. The aim is to concentrate on developing football and this result proves it,” Sukhwinder told Goal.com.
“After qualifying for the final phase, the team travelled to Kolkata and won the title on East Bengal’s home turf in front of their fans which is a big achievement. To add to it they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament,” he added.
JCT is the only club from the northern part of the country. Considering that JCT will not be fielding their senior team anymore, the under-19 players will have a tough time in finding a place in a senior set up. Many of the youngsters may have to give up their dream of playing as professional footballers. However, Sukhwinder is keen that the club management will find a solution to the problem.
“Certainly this will not be neglected. The management has said that it wants to focus on development at grassroots level but they will also ponder upon the future on the under-19 players; after all it is very good news that JCT are under-19 champions. We’ll need to wait for a few days though, I am sure something will be thought for these players,” revealed the former India Under-23 coach.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the Punjab sports ministry is keen on saving it’s only competitive football club. Apparently, the state sports director Pargat Singh has assured JCT all the support the sports department can render in keeping the club alive. Sukhwinder revealed that the discussions have been conducted at the higher level of authorities. He admits that JCT’s survival is crucial for football in Punjab but refrains from blaming the club management for their withdrawal.
“Whatever talks have been going on, are going on at the higher level. I am not part of it. But the efforts are on, we will see what happens. If JCT continues it will be good for Punjab and Indian football. We cannot blame JCT for their decision to disband their team and we also cannot forget their immense contribution to Indian football,” he concluded.
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