The Indian Arrows midfielder spoke to Goal.com following India’s first training session as part of the preparations for the forthcoming tie against Qatar…
Midfielder Jewel Raja, the team’s most crucial asset, is happy with the preparations so far. Following the first day’s training session, he told Goal.com, “First day’s training was good, the coach was also happy. We have training sessions in the morning and evening. We work on our fitness in the mornings while evenings we work on the tactical aspects. Sometimes we also take to the pool for swimming to build on our fitness. So far it has been quite good.”
When asked whether the rains have come in the way of their preparations for the big match, he replied, “No, it’s not much of a problem. There is little rain but this is not cricket. Football can easily be played in the rains and moreover, it adds to the fun.”
India last played Qatar in the Asian Games last November and lost by a narrow 2-1 margin. Raja is confident this team can avenge the defeat. India’s 25-member camp consists of 17 players from the Indian Arrows. An ‘Arrow’ himself, Raja believes Qatar would have been defeated if the current team was available.
“I am sure we can beat Qatar. We have played against their under-23 team in the past where we lost very narrowly. This time round we have a big group of the Indian Arrows players which has trained together for almost a year and the inclusion of some more quality players from other clubs will strengthen the side. We have played with each other for a long time and we are a compact side. If we had this same team earlier, we would have beaten Qatar. Last time, we hardly got 20 days to train, but this time it’s different,” said the former Dempo player.
India will travel to Doha to face Qatar on June 19 and later will be the hosts for the return-leg on June 23 at the Balewadi Stadium.
Meanwhile, on an individual level, Jewel has made rapid progress since his move to the Indian Arrows at the start of the recently concluded season. The 22-year old midfielder found rare starts in Dempo’s midfield and hence joined Mohan Bagan last year after his contract with the Goan side expired. However, Raja did not make any appearances for the Kolkata giants as the AIFF had asked the clubs to release their under-23 players to form Indian Arrows.
The resultant effect worked pretty much in favour of the youngster – Raja included - who found recognition among the I-League biggies. Raja, no doubt was a regular in the India Under-23 squad, but he also got a call up for the senior national team following his impressive performance with the Arrows.
“Playing for the Arrows has helped me a lot. Last season I was with Dempo but I did not get enough opportunities to play in the I-League. Now that I am with the Arrows, I have realized how important and significant it is to play in the I-League. As a result I also got a call up for the Indian senior squad beside the under-23,” explained Raja.
Now that Raja has made a mark in Indian football, offers seem to pour in but he is undecided yet. The Tata Football Academy product is certainly looking at higher avenues but has kept his decision on hold till the future of Indian Arrows is decided.
“As of now it is not certain if Indian Arrows will continue or not. If they continue then I will surely give a thought of staying back. I am ready for a bigger challenge but I’ll take a decision only after Indian Arrows’ future is settled,” he concluded.
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