Anil Hansda in action at TFA

Jamshedpur, July 4: Tata Football Academy’s search for taller players has ended at the doorsteps of Anil Hansda.

Towering at 6ft 4in, the 14-year-old resident of Burmamines in Jamshedpur has set a record of sorts. He is the first tribal boy to be inducted into the TFA as a goalkeeper.

For a youngster who used to play short matches for chicken and eyeglasses, induction into the Tata Football Academy (TFA) has come as a big boost to Hansda.

“It’s like a dream come true for me. To get selected as a cadet while attending selection trials for the first time is certainly a big thing. It is also a big break for me,” Hansda said.

TFA coaches said Hansda’s collection and anticipation skills look promising. “We think he is a good find. Handa is raw but we’ll shape him up. He has lot of years to learn the nuances of goalkeeping,” said Ranjan Chowdhary, the coach of the TFA.

Hansda comes from a modest family — his father is employed with Tata Steel. But he has won several matches for his local team.

“Actually, I became interested in football because friendly tournaments were regularly organised in my mohalla. There were not shields for the winning team but we were given khassi (goats) and chicken if we win. The teams were made up of seven to nine people and the matches would be very exciting,” Hansda said.

Now, he will have to forfeit such games and focus on TFA schedule. The training imparted to him will be organised and structured under the watchful eyes of three experienced coaches.

“I’m looking forward to my four-year stay at the TFA,” Hansda said. “Playing for top clubs will open the doors to the national team. I want to represent my country. That is my dream.”

Hansda had attended three selection trials of the TFA from March to May. About 16 aspiring goalkeepers from across the country had come to the city to try their luck and win a seat in the academy. But the selectors’ eye fell on the ability and, height, of Hansda.

“I was praying that I get selected. I was also a little jittery when I came for the trials. But everything has worked out right and I’m very happy,” he said.

Now, the teenager is undergoing induction at the academy before starting to defend the net.