Vaibhav Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 23

What does a 19-year-old think about life? What is his ideal way of spending a day, a year or even his foreseeable future? College, parties, friends, fun…? But then there are some other 19-year-olds, who make you sit back, tear down the clichés and watch in awe their grit, determination and focus. For Chandigarh-lad Harjit Singh, life is what happens under the crossbar, in the stipulated 70 minutes and in the countless training hours too. A product of the Chandigarh Academy, Harjit has been recalled for the national camp at Lucknow, to be held from December 27.

“It has been my dream to play for India. My parents have invested so much to make me what I am today. My father, just to ensure that I follow my training regime carefully, is always a step ahead of me. I really want to repay his faith in my ability, and also fulfill my ambition of being the best goalkeeper in the world,” says a sweat-drenched Harjit, who has been who has been blossoming under the watchful eye of Chandigarh coach Jasbir Singh Bajwa, also the coach of current national captain Rajpal Singh and goalkeeper Baljit Singh.

His coach Bajwa says, “The moment he steps on the ground, he is totally focused. He has the talent and, God willing, will soon have the national colours too.” Harjit is expecting a call-up to the national team this time around and he knows that it would be the only way he can make up for his father’s sacrifices.

“Ever since I attended the camp in Pune earlier in the year, my father has been after me to not just maintain, but improve my personal training results. He is as passionate to see me in India colours. It’s like the sport runs through his veins. He helps trainees, monetarily and otherwise too, just to ensure that they get the best, and give their best to the sport. I feel that to be selected for the team, would be vindication, not just for my hardwork, but also his unshakeable belief in giving the national sport the honour and dedication it deserves.”