Chandigarh lad Sandesh dedicates Arjuna Award to family

Deepankar Sharda

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 22

In his first interview with The Tribune on July 10, 2013, Sandesh Jhingan, 27, had said his ambition was to achieve the best.

The brutal defender of the Indian football team has stood by his words and, for his sheer commitment to the game and hard work on the field, he has been chosen for the Arjuna Award.

Dreams do come true if you work hard. I used to watch this award function on television wherein awards are conferred upon players by the President. I also wanted to be there, suited up, facing perhaps nervous moments before getting that coveted trophy someday, not for myself, but for my parents and brothers. – Sandesh Jhingan

Jhingan is the first footballer born and brought up in the city to get the coveted award.

In 2010, Jhingan, was a part of the city team, which won the Dr BC Roy Trophy for the first time under the coaching of former Indian team skipper and stalwart Tejinder Kumar. He was the only player in the squad who was selected from outside the Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA) group.

His performance earned him a place in the junior (U-19) national camp and since then Jhingan has hardly missed an opportunity to showcase his talent. A dedicated trainee at the Sector 17 football stadium, he represented Shishu Niketan School, Sector 22, and St Stephen’s Academy before moving out to play for several clubs at junior level and then at the Indian Super League (ISL).

“It’s a privilege to get this honour. I am happy that my relentless hard work has been recognised. Playing for India is not only satisfying but an honour that just adds to the responsibility. It means a lot to me,” said Jhingan.

About his future plans, Jhingan said after recovering from an injury, he was waiting to don the Indian jersey back. “Covid-19 has delayed many things, including my return to the national team. I am also writing a book, which is a collection of short stories,” he added.