Gilbertson Sangma. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Nov. 20: Former international footballer from Assam, Gilbertson Sangma, feels that the lack of evolution of the game in the state is the reason behind the empty stands during the Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Bordoloi Trophy every year.

Attending the Guwahati Press Club’s Guest of the Month programme today, Sangma held the players partially responsible for the declining standard and lack of evolution of the sport.

He said the people who are accustomed to watching the latest techniques on television sitting at home, feel disappointed with the poor quality of matches at the state-level tournaments.

“Our players still follow the decades-old techniques and play the same game. There has been no evolution of the game in our state, which undoubtedly disappoints the enthusiasts,” the former Assam Police footballer said.

“Our players are more or less responsible for this. They watch footballers from across the world play in Spanish, English or German leagues and many other tournaments on TV. But, they never try it out themselves on the ground, nor do they try to bring something new of their own to the game,” Sangma said.

He also attributed the declining standard of the game to the lack of practice and dedication of the players. “These days, the players try to cut short every practice session on one pretext or the other, which points to their lack of dedication towards the game.

He appealed to the organisers and the administration to provide adequate facilities to the players.

“In our days we played and practised more football than our coaches expected us to. However, these days, the coach arrives at the ground first and the players try to cut short every practice session on one pretext or the other, which points to their lack of dedication towards the game. My advice to the younger generation is practise as much as you can if you want to be a good footballer,” Sangma said.