AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The Indian Arrows 2021-22 batch, currently training in Bhubaneswar for the forthcoming Hero I-League 2021-22, and the AFC Qualifiers, were assured of every possible support by Mr. Vineel Krishna, Special Secretary to CM & Commissioner cum Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Govt of Odisha, who visited and motivated them during their practice session on Friday (November 19, 2021).

“It was nice to meet the 2021-22 batch of Indian Arrows who are currently practicing under Odisha Sports’ facilities in Bhubaneswar. Indian Arrows stays an integral part of the All India Football Federation’s development roadmap, and Odisha Sports is glad to support the development wholeheartedly. We assure all the support to AIFF to take Indian Football to the next level,” Mr. Krishna averred.

Odisha Sports has been an ardent supporter of Indian Football over the years, with Bhubaneswar being the home of Indian Arrows, besides hosting the Indian Senior Women’s Team, the Hero Gold Cup, the Super Cup, Hero Indian Super League matches, and much more.

Shanmugam Venkatesh, Head Coach Indian Arrows, stated it was “hugely inspiring” for the entire squad to interact with Mr. Vineel.
“I need to thank Mr. Vineel for coming over. It was a great gesture from him to come over and interact with us. He congratulated us on the SAFF Championship victory and expressed his delight at the heart-warming performance in the qualifiers for the U23 AFC Asian Cup,” Venkatesh, a former India captain, informed.

“He wished us good luck for the upcoming domestic competitions and also the AFC qualifiers. The boys stay grateful to Odisha Sports for their involvement and support. They were extremely motivated to see Mr. Vineel visit them.”

Venkatesh also expressed his gratitude at Odisha Sports’ efforts to make the squad “comfortable.”
“We feel at home in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Sports goes all out to make us comfortable and feel at home. All the infrastructure and facilities have helped us a lot to train and improve without facing any roadblocks. I am extremely thankful to all the stakeholders involved for their support,” he maintained.

The Arrows also defeated the Sikkim state team preparing for the Santosh Trophy 3-2. Sajad Hussain Parray (13th), Parthib Sundar Gogoi (43rd), and Harsh Patre (45th) were on target for the Arrows. The Arrows will kick-off their domestic campaign with the IFA Shield, where they are slated to play Real Kashmir FC in their first match on November 24.