Former international footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo is utilising the off season to its optimum. The senior Srinagar-based professional is kickstarting the renaissance of Jammu and Kashmir football by devoting his time to the State Football Academy. The 35-year-old is engaging with youngsters in Srinagar’s Tourist Reception Ground and Polo Ground twice a day in a bid to produce more international footballers from the state.
“SFA is a J&K State Sports Council initiative and I am the in-charge. We are trying to cover all 22 districts. So far we have travelled to Ganderbal and Band-ipora besides Srinagar. We believe their is lot of talent in the state and want to get it through. We have already U-13, U-16, U-18 teams playing in the I League and other national tournaments,” he said.
“I am trying to organise, monitor and plan everything for this academy. We have lot of staff to take care of it. I will be giving them instructions,” he said.
There have been several attempts by the state association and others in the past to set up academies in recent times but they haven’t been able to survive either the climate, culture, poor infrastructure and turbulent times. But aware of the challenges, Wadoo seems to be a man on a mission.
“Without challenge there is no life. We believe there is a lot of talent in Jammu and Kashmir. We want to drill them correctly and there can be chances of players going outside. Ishfaq (Ahmed) and me went out but there are no other players coming up. It is a challenge I have taken up to myself that I can produce players good enough for the national level,” he said.
Wadoo was a regular in India’s football team during Bob Houghton’s reign as coach. He hasn’t figured in plans of Houghton’s successors including current coach Stephen Constantine. He maintained great shape and agility and is ready for a last hurrah with the India team if recalled.
“The national team are doing well and I don’t think they need me at the moment. But whenever they need me I am ready to help and play at any position. I always try to pick up a coach’s style and play accordingly. I relish the six years I was with the national team, we won five international tournaments during that time. Those are great memories,” said Wadoo, who played as defensive midfielder under Houghton and has shown top form with ISL franchise Chennaiyin FC.
