Benudhar Das
Cuttack, May 14: Talent can’t ever be suppressed, whatever the situation may be. Sila Singh, a member of the Orissa sub-junior team, is prime example of the fact that if there is a spark, it can’t ever be extinguished… it will find a way to shine. By the sheer dint of her determination and ability to work hard Sila has made a name for herself as well given her family the hope of a new life – the same way which was shown in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.
The class VII student of Bidanasi School may have scored only one goal among the 21 that Orissa have so far scored in their two matches in the sub-junior nationals. But she made 10 assists for goals – a great achievement, considering the fact that Orissa have some very good players in their team.
Sila is a prime example of ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. She doesn’t have a proper roof over her head, doesn’t get two square meals a day (essential for any budding sportspersons) or for that matter doesn’t have a proper sporting gear or clothes. But that hasn’t stopped her pursuing football – which is the love of her life.
The 12-year-old daughter of Binod and Gitanjali Singh stays in a slum near Kathajodi, Ring road. This is the first time she is playing for the state team and she has done that fighting against all odds. Her father and mother are daily wage earners, but both are happy to provide whatever their daughter needs within their means.
Sila started playing football after she attended a coaching camp under coach Chitrasen Patra. The state selectors were instantly enamoured with her skills and talent and since then there has been no looking back for the budding midfielder.
“Sila is pretty enthusiastic about football. She is very hard-working and has an excellent temperament for football. She needs encouragement and support. If she gets that, she is definitely an India prospect,” stated Chitrasen.
State team coach Gitanjali Khuntia praised Sila for giving her best on her maiden appearance for Orissa. “Sila (she) is one of my trumpcard in this tournament. She is a superb midfielder and tirelessly takes a lot of workload. She has all the skills that a talented footballer should have – ball control, dribbling, passing and positional play. I am sure she will play for the national team one day and make us proud,” stated Gitanjali.
