Bengal's star performer Denson Devadas might be a Keralite but the regional factor does not matter for the diminutive midfielder.
Devadas, who struck twice in his side's entertaining 2-1 victory over Punjab [ Images ] in the Santosh Trophy final, termed the title triumph as the most memorable moment of his life.
"I am really proud after this. This moment will remain etched forever as I look back to my career," said Devadas, who plays for Chirag United in the I-League.
Asked why he preferred playing for Bengal, he said, "The regionalism factor does not play a role when he is playing on the field. My aim is to score goals and I give my best always."
Devadas hails from a place called Bernassery in Kannur district in Kerala [ Images ].
The 29 times champions had last won the title in Chennai in April 1999.
In jubilation moments, Bengal coach Shabbir Ali was lifted by the team-mates as they sang 'three cheers for Bengal'.
Ali also termed it the most memorable moment of his life and gave full credit to the team-mates. "The win is for them. It's the boys who have made it. I have a small role to play," he said.
Lauding Devadas for his twin goal effort, Ali said, "He is a spectacular player and his goals today were class apart."
With Bengal suffering from injury woes to their star forwards Shankar Oraon and Nilendra Dewan, TFA graduate Robin Singh, a six feet tall robust striker, had to play the makeshift role.
Robin grabbed the opportunity with both hands playing a stellar role in Bengal's campaign as he had scored an 84th minute equaliser against Goa [ Images ] to script Bengal's turnaround.
The Noida-lad dedicated this success to his mother who incidentally is a Bengali.
"This moment is for my mother. She is very proud of me. Both my parents were here. I will really relish this moment. I will stay in Bengal for at least two more years and make my career," Robin, who is contracted with East Bengal, said.
this
Users
Comment
article