E-Paper
In college, go for goal
I had heard of the Hindu-Stephen?s rivalry. Now I am part and parcel of it, and understand why such a big deal is made out of it.
Competing against the ‘college across the road’ is the first phrase that is drilled into the head of every newcomer joining St Stephen’s college. And Ankit Sharma, a student of B.Sc. (General), was no different.
“It’s just an awesome feeling, I had heard about the rivalry even before I completed school. Now that I’m a part of it, the feeling is all the more thrilling.”
The only place that the Hinduites and Stephanians get together at is the bhel-puri stall in front of the Stephen’s gate. “We are aggressive but carry back no hard feelings,” says this product of Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj.
Sharma who got admission into Stephen’s through the sports quota got a taste of the rivalry during a friendly football match. “The match ended in a draw and it was a tough game. Both sides put in their best and the cheerleaders from both sides didn’t keep quiet for even a second. It was almost like war. Even the score-line reflects the fighting spirit. I scored a goal for the team and I’ll remember that for the rest of my life,” he says.
Another thing that has fascinated Sharma is the monkey business. “There are so many apes in and around college that is not funny. One fine day I walked in to the library and found a monkey sitting in the librarian’s chair! Thankfully we have four watchdogs that shoo them away,” he adds.
A student of engineering Sharma didn’t exactly aspire to be in a regular college. “But I am to get admission into one of the most prestigious colleges in the country. Even if we have got in on the basis of our sporting capabilities, we have to prove ourselves. Even during the practice sessions, our senior teammates mean business,” he announces. With the team travelling to Nainital for a match with Sherwood, Sharma will get another opportunity to display his skills.
