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Why is India off the goal?
ASK GOPAL Mullick about Team India star S Sreesanth, he will simply shake his head in no. But, he will quickly tell you the details of any international soccer player as soon as you ask his name.
ASK GOPAL Mullick about Team India star S Sreesanth, he will simply shake his head in no. But, he will quickly tell you the details of any international soccer player as soon as you ask his name.
Yes, he is passionate for the game. He admits it proudly that football is his passion and second love too. Born and brought up in Varanasi, Mullick played during late 40s and 50s for his university and district. He believes that 5-3-2-1 set-up is the best in which seven can go for attack and then can go for the defense.
One of the regular faces among those who took part in IFC Tournament at Lucknow, run by famous late Habulda, Mullick also represented National Sporting Club against Cosmos Club of Russia during a match in Varanasi in 1955.
Seventy six-year-old Mullick, who owns the match-to-match record of teams during the last five World Cups, sounds confident about the winning of defending champion Brazil in this year’s World Cup at Germany.
“They have all the top stars of the world in the team, and I don’t see any hurdle for Brazil defending title in style,” said Mullick, adding, “England and Czech Republic will also be the teams to watch.”
After his retirement, he started taking academic interest in football. He claims that soccer is the only game in which nobody can predict the next move. His regular and useful correspondences with FIFA regarding back pass to goalkeeper, golden goal abolition, foul etc. were acknowledged and appreciated.
Now, he maintains a record which carries many interesting cuttings from various newspapers and magazines— Amusing readings, statistics, recording views, unusual happenings, colourful pictures, Q&A topics etc.
Commenting on Indian soccer scene, Mullick admits: “We lack professional approach to the game. The AIFF should work on this line. When Trinidad & Tobago (with just 11 lakh population) can make it to the World Cup then why not India?” To promote soccer in India, he suggests those who represent college, university or district regularly should get 10 extra marks in all subjects.
“This will compensate the time loss. Divide India into five zones— Headquarters at Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Hydrabad. Hold training camps and hunt talent. As simple as that.”
