TRAU FC scored only 17 goals in 17 games last season when Princewell Emeka was leading their line but they have found their talisman in Bidyashagar Singh this season. The shot sniper from Manipur has banged 8 goals this season, helping his side to finish in the top half in the first stage of I League. In an exclusive interview with IFTWC, Bidyashagar takes us through his early days as a footballer, East Bengal stint and much more.
The beautiful state of Manipur is known for producing talented football players and of course, Bidyashagar is one of them. Surprisingly, Bidyashagar wasn’t into football that much but his family played a vital role in making up his mind. “Initially, I didn’t like football much. But my father encouraged me to play football. After I started playing football, I used to practice with my sister (Parmeshwari) everyday. This helped to kickstart my career in football,” He said.
When asked about his East Bengal stint, Bidya said, “I saw in the newspaper about East Bengal u18 trails. I gave the trails and got selected. I really liked East Bengal. East Bengal is my first professional club. When I joined East Bengal, I felt really good because East Bengal is a big club in Indian football.” He made all the headlines when he was donning the famous red and gold jersey of the Kolkata giants. “I would like to play for East Bengal someday again,” He added.
It is homecoming for Bidyashagar Singh this season as he is plying his trade for TRAU FC. The 22 year old expressed his delight by saying, “Playing for my local club is like dream come true for me. It feels really good that I’m representing my state through the club. The atmosphere in the dressing room is really good and we are winning the games as well. The coaching staff has pushed all the players which is helping the team. We don’t have much pressure here because the coaching staff has given full freedom to the players.”
After having such a formidable season, Bidyashagar is in the center of attention these days. With lack of Indian strikers in Hero ISL, Bidyashagar is already making rounds in the transfer market. This is how the only Indian hattrick scorer in this I League season plans to move ahead in his career.
After this season, I will try to go to ISL. After that, I want to play for Indian National Team. I’m trying to make more improvements in myself. Many people told me to play on the right wing but I always want to play as a striker because India doesn’t have many strikers. We have only few strikers like Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh but we don’t have many strikers. So I want to be the best striker for Indian team.
“I want to give credits to my parents, sister and all the coaching staff of TRAU FC. I also want to thank the club officials for giving this opportunity. I’m very lucky to play with international players especially Komron Tursunov. He is very intelligent player,” Bidyashagar signs off.
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