MSSA: Skipper Rajput shines as Guru Nanak beat IES 2-0

Guru Nanak HS (Dadar) striker Ankush Rajput played the skipper’s role to perfection, scoring both goals as his school beat  IES VN Sule Guruji (Dadar) 2-0 in a Mumbai Schools Sports Association Div IV match at Azad Maidan on Saturday

Guru Nanak HS (Dadar) striker Ankush Rajput played the skipper’s role to perfection, scoring both goals as his school beat IES VN Sule Guruji (Dadar) 2-0 in a Mumbai Schools Sports Association Div IV match at Azad Maidan on Saturday.

Guru Nanak's Ankush Rajput (in green) gets past an IES VN Sule Guruji player on Saturday. Pic/Syed Sameer Abedi.

With little support from their school, the Guru Nanak boys, most of whom hail from modest backgrounds, have to bear their own football expenses. “The school only pays the entry fee. The boys have to pay for jerseys, travel, food and my coaching fees (Rs 250 per month per player). Not all can afford this,” coach D Raju revealed.

Rajput’s (15) father suffered a paralytic stroke in 2011 and his mother Urmila is the only earning member in the family, making it very difficult for the youngster to manage his football expenses.

“My mother, who works in the housekeeping department of a bank, doubles up as a cook in the evening so that my football expenses are met,” said Rajput, a Class IX who lives in BDD Chawl in Naigaon, Dadar (E).

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