Aryan Rajvansh, a resident of Sector 55, Noida, was just 7 when he saw Cristiano Ronaldo's skills on the field. He had found his calling. That one game swayed him to make football his only goal (no pun intended). Today, so involved is he in the game that this young footballer has opted for open schooling to concentrate on honing his skills. And that has not been for nothing. He has participated in matches, including the Coca-Cola Football League Championship 2012, the district football championship 2011-2012 for Ashoka Football Club (AFC), Noida, and the Indo-Gulf Football Cup for Sports Authority of India, Goa.
Here's a tête–à–tête with the 15-year-old Aryan Rajvansh.
Why football when India swears by cricket?
I've always found cricket boring (smiles). I love the pace football has. It has a zing. I started watching football because my brother used to, but then I saw Ronaldo's skills and fell in love with the game. That was eight years back. I haven't thought of anything else but football since then. Ronaldo has been my idol since that very day. His skills, passion and teamwork on the field are incredible. I also look up to Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh.
Where did you start playing in Noida?
I started playing at a nearby ground with my brother's local football group in 2007. All the boys were my brother’s friends and five years elder to me. It was hard competing with them, but pull, push and bullying with seniors sharpened my instincts and skills. The group joined Ashoka Football Club (AFC) under coach Anadi Barua. That’s how I ended up playing serious football matches. The coaching brought me closer to my goal day by day.
How has Noida helped you in the game?
NCR has given India some of its best footballers, including Robin Singh and Sunil Chhetri, who are both part of the national team. Noida, especially, has played an essential role in facilitating my career choice. It introduced me to my mentor, Anadi Barua, who has been instrumental in grooming me for the game. Noida also introduced me to fellow footballers who constantly pushed me, drove me to do better and made me who I am today on the field.
Do you think Noida's infrastructure supports sports such as football?
Noida's sports infrastructure needs a huge overhaul. There are no good grounds here. Noida Stadium is the only hope, but even that is not up to the mark or maintained properly.
How encouraging are apartments in Noida towards the game?
Not very. Most of us are aware of the notices hung up in apartment and public parks forbidding children to play football there. The RWAs of almost every sector discourage children from playing football in the parks, ruining the grounds by laying out concrete paths all across the grass.
Tell us about your achievements.
I have played for Coca-Cola Football League Championship 2012, the district football championship 2011-2012 for Ashoka Football Club (AFC), Noida, the U-15 I League 2015, Goa Football Association (GFA) Under-16 League 2015-16, and Indo-Gulf Football Cup for Sports Authority of India, Goa.
How many hours of practice do you put in every day?
I practise five hours in the morning and three hours in the evening when I am in Goa. In Noida, I usually practise three hours a day with Young Gunners FC in Sector 47, Noida.
Tell us something about your coach.
Sushil Divakar is part of SAI Goa. He has been an inspiration throughout. It is all because of him that my game has improved, I am mentally and physically stronger than I ever was and have various platforms to showcase my skills.
Does your family support you in your choice of career?
I am one of the fortunate few who have the full and unwavering support of their family. The very thought that my parents are proud of me, despite the sorry state the game is in in India, makes me want to work harder. My father and brother are football fans, and my father wants me to play like his favourite footballer, Diego Maradona. I hope to see that dream come true some day.
