KOLKATA (India): Indian Arrows defender Sajad Hussain Parray is currently enjoying his stint at the AIFF development side that plays in the I-League.
Last Sunday, the 17-year-old Srinagar boy helped his side eke out a 1-1 draw by scoring against Aizawl FC.
“When I started playing as a young child, I always wanted to play in the Hero I-League. However, I never even imagined that I would get this opportunity at such a young age and early stage in my career. I’m really grateful for this amazing chance,” Sajad told AIFF. “We are improving and growing in confidence with each match.”
Sajad was scouted and selected for the India U-15 junior team in 2018.
“My first tournament was the SAFF U-15 Championship in Nepal and then we played tournaments in UAE, South Africa, etc. Playing against strong foreign teams made us more confident and grow as a team and become mentally tougher,” he added.
The hardworking defender has been part of the AIFF Academy at the Kalinga Stadium Complex in Bhubaneswar.
“It is the first time at this level. We are learning so much and the whole experience is such a great boon for us. For young players our age, this is the best platform,” said Sajad.
He felt that the previous exposure and the team’s bonding is helping them immensely as they make the step up to the senior level in the I-League.
“Compared to junior football, the level of the game in the I-League is higher and requires a completely different match temperament. Playing as an all-Indian team against such high-quality teams is a challenge,” added Sajad.
