Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra
Unfulfilled dreams and ambitions are often overcompensated. The un-channeled energy takes different roots even with more commitment and is transferred into something more meaningful to the creation and to society. According to this law – good students, who don’t get the right exposure at the proper juncture, turn out to be great teachers. Likewise there are plenty of players, who never get the right break, become fine coaches.
The story of coach Suraj Kumar Pradhan, belonging to Badheimunda, Jharsuguda district, is a prime example of this theory. He was a good footballer during his school days. Herepresented the district team and also managed a job in the Railways under the sports quota. But a thigh injury ended his career
prematurely while it was still blossoming. His ambition to be a well-known player died a sudden death.But Suraj did not lose hope and committed himself to coaching talented players. He became the light of hope for upcoming footballers. “Being from the schedule tribe segment, I decided to motivate and guide the neglected
players of this community and create
successful footballers and athletes from among them,” stated Suraj. He started his mission of coaching under the banner of Badheimunda Nava Yuvak Club at his native place. And since then it has been a story of churning out talent. With his sheer dedication and love for sports he has produced good footballers.
Under his guidance, 30 talented footballers are doing well in Orissa and making a name for themselves. A few members of the state women’s football team are his wards. He spends half of his monthly salary for training the budding players. Suraj also doesn’t flinch a bit when he has to buy sporting equipment like boots, spikes and tracksuits for the players. When he finds a player’s family in financial distress he even lends monetary support. He has also helped many players to prepare for police, railway and different industrial services tests.Suraj loves to arrange coaching camps
at different periods of the year at his own cost. Under his supervision, a month-long
coaching camp at Jharsuguda Engineering Ground is currently on. Approximately 40
players are undergoing training in the camp. Former state footballer DS Badra, who has also played the Santosh Trophy, has been invited as a special coach and he is training the players without charging any remuneration.
But then Badra is not the only one lending his expertise in the camp. Many state and national level former footballers drop in regularly to encourage the budding talents. They also share their knowledge with the players. “I failed to reach my goal, but I am trying to live my dreams through these youngsters,” Suraj points out. “I am not a quitter. I will work as long as I can to hone local talents,” he added with determination writ large on his face. He credits intellectuals of his area like Ratnakar Pradhan and Pravakar Oram who have helped him pursue his ambitions.
One can but just admire Suraj – for his selfless devotion to the game.