By Dhruv Shah,

AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: The Hero I-League restart is looming large as we approach the month of March. The players are raring to go and once again to step out onto the field. One of those players is Mohammedan SC’s Milan Singh, a product of one of the earliest batches of the Indian Arrows setup.

More than a decade later, the young boy from Manipur has become a seasoned professional, having played for more than half a dozen clubs since then. When asked about the impact the Indian Arrows setup had on him and about his time at the club, Milan Singh praised the AIFF for giving the youngsters a platform and reflected on the things he learned over there through the years.

“I had spent most of my youth career at the Indian Arrows setup. It was a wonderful platform for young players like us at that time and I would like to thank the AIFF for providing us the stage so that we could achieve our goals," said Singh. 

He continued, "Indian Arrows is the reason I am here today. I have learnt so many things from the different coaches during my time at the Arrows, but one thing which always remained the same is to never give up! I take those lessons every time I step onto the field.”

The young lad who hailed from a village called Heikakmapal in Manipur, Singh has amassed over a century of appearances in various leagues in Indian football. It has been a long journey for him, and there have been many ups and downs for him as well. “I am happy to see what I have achieved in my career so far. In this long journey, I have missed my friends, coaches, everyone who has shared this journey with me. They have given me strength and have always been there for me,” echoed a grateful Singh.

However, Milan Singh is far from done on his journey of football. With his 30^th birthday around the corner, Singh has already started taking steps towards the next step after he hangs up his boots. 

“After I finish playing football, I would like to go into coaching. I have already completed my D-licenses certificate and in the coming years I want to join the youth development football program for the AIFF.”