OG Blasters want to make their presence felt at GIFA

Determined to make their presence felt at Hindustan Times Great Indian Football Action (HT GIFA), OG Blasters, the junior team of Vipul Orchird Gardens -- a gated condominium in Sector 54 -- is going through extra training sessions.

Determined to make their presence felt at Hindustan Times Great Indian Football Action (HT GIFA), OG Blasters, the junior team of Vipul Orchid Gardens -- a gated condominium in Sector 54 -- is going through extra training sessions.

The team is practising for at least five hours a week.(Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

The seven-member team said they are dedicated towards the sport and working hard to sharpen their skills.

“We are practising for almost five hours a week for the mega tournament. The boys are working hard and trying to ensure that their technique is right and it is very important for any sport. HT GIFA is a huge event that celebrates football and we are going to do our best to leave a mark,” Abhinav Gupta, a class 8 student, said.

The team members have known each other for the last few years. They said HT GIFA has helped bring them closer. They said the bond that the tournament has helped them develop will continue throughout their lives.

“The team is spending a lot of time together practising and trying to know the strengths of others. This has actually helped us bound emotionally too. We discuss our issues and make sure that we find solutions,” Gupta said.

Another player, Rohan Dubbey of class 7, said, “I am very thrilled about the competition. We are trying to give our best. Let’s see how the other teams are.”

Even parents of the team members are excited and supportive. They said it is good to see their children so passionate about a sport. They feel the sport will help them grow more confident and fit.

“I am extremely proud of the efforts put in by the team members. The young guys are talking about football 24x7. Nothing else will be on their minds till the tournament is over,” Nupur Chaturvedi, mother of Parth Chaturvedi, said.