Indian football captain Sunil Chetri on Thursday advised the students of Chinmaya School, Bokaro, to follow their heart while choosing career and urged parents not to force their decisions on the children but give equal importance to education and sports.
He was in Bokaro to inaugurate Chinmaya Ajay Singh Football Academy on Thursday. The academy, which has come up with the help of former international soccer player Ajay Kumar Singh, a native of Bokaro, will run from the Chinmaya School.
Recalling his childhood memories, Chetri said he went against the wishes of his parents to pursue his love for football. "Like most parents, mine too gave more mileage to studies as compared to sports. They constantly asked me to focus more on studies but I did otherwise as I loved football. I used to sit on the last bench of my class and was never a very good student. But I loved football. I followed my heart against my parents' wishes but I'm sure, I have made them proud. Now my father likes to boast whenever people call him "Sunil Chetri's father"," laughed Chetri while addressing the students.
About his struggle, the Indian captain said, he used to rush to playground soon after school to play or see others playing football.
"My hard work and sincerity have paid. Hard work is the mantra, whatever field one chooses. Guardians should give equal importance to education and sports and support their wards whatever they choose as their career. We have got several examples like Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni and others who have earned recognition for their contribution to Indian sports," said Chetri.
He promised to support the academy whenever required besides giving valuable tips to the budding soccer players.
Chinmaya School principal Ashok Singh and former footballer Singh were also present along with the teachers and students during the inauguration.
However, to the disappointment of the students, the scheduled match between Mohammedan Sporting and Chinmaya School after the inauguration, had to be cancelled due to rainfall.
