ONGC I-League: Interview with Nirmal Chettri

Born in Melli Bazar, and youngest in the family with an elder brother and 4 sisters, Nirmal was always passionate about football. He was discovered in the I-League by Air India. He plays for East Bengal and was specially mentioned by Gerd Muller, team manager Bayern Munich (U23) when the two teams played each other in 2009.

Nirmal started off his career as a striker in Namchi Sports Hostel (South Sikkim) in 2000 but filled in as a defender when a defender on his team was injured during SARCC Tournaments at Gangtok in 2006. He did such an amazing job that since then he has become one of India’s foremost defenders. Nirmal has been playing for the India from the beginning of U-14, U-17 & U-19 respectively and now recently, he is the member of U23 National team.

Nirmal Chettri

Harmit: How did you start playing football? When and how did the move to being a defender come about?

Nirmal: Initially, when I was young, my brother was my idol and I used to copy him as a striker. After that I got selected at Namchi Sports Hostel in a scheme called Search 4 More Bhaichung’s which was became a good platform for me later. After 5 years of dedication there, we became seniors and were shifted to Sports Academy of Sikkim at Gangtok in 2006. Government of Sports & Youth Affairs (Deptt. Of Sikkim) organized a Mini SARCC Tournaments at Gangtok and invited many Indian Teams as well as few from abroad like Nepal & Bhutan. My teammate got hurt in his knee while playing in his home town at local match and in our team we completely depended on his ability but my Coach Hangu Norden Lepcha forced me to play as a defender because of my height and the leadership. After that we reached the final and lost 2 Nepal via a tie Breaker. After a few successful tournaments we finally got entry in Governors Gold Cup which was organized by Sikkim Football Association (SFA). We played matches against teams like Army XI, Nepal Team & as well as Air India, we managed a win and lost other two matches with Air India and Army. After a Successful Gold Cup. We (Me & Sanju Pradhan) were caught by Air India Coach Bimal Ghosh. After that I got my entry into Professional Football!

Harmit: When did you seriously start playing football?

Nirmal: When I got selected in Namchi Sports Hostel n My coach Hangu Norden Lepcha & late Soloman Lepcha n later Suren Kr. Chettri helped me 2 sort-out my problems and gave me the perfect practice which a player needs. They have played a big role in my career. But even more credit goes to Mr Karma Yougall (Retired Sports Director, Deptt of S.Y.A Sikkim) because of his Dream of Sports Hostel, I got a chance to prove myself & am really thankful to our own CM Dr Pawan Kumar Chamling because he asked Mr Yougall – “why had Sikkim produced only 1 Bhaichung”. From there onwards Mr. Yougall thought of opening an Academy from all over the Sikkim and select 30 players. Actually my interest for football grows from their onwards.

Harmit: Who are the People, Sports persons & Teams that you admire a lot or are fans of?

Nirmal: I’m a die hard supporter of Manchester united and a fan of Rio Ferdinand but in my Academic Days, I used to follow the steps of Icon Bhaichung Bhutia.

Nirmal with Sunil Chettri

Harmit: Favourite Food?

Nirmal: Kheer, which was made by my Mom (whom I lost recently).

Harmit: Favourite kind of music

Nirmal: I listen to all kinds but I listen more Nepali Songs as well as Hindi with western hip pop!

Harmit: Some of your happiest moments

Nirmal: When we (Namchi sports Academy) reached the final of U-14 Subroto Cup at Delhi in 2002 & When I first wore a National Team Jersey.

Harmit: Some of your sad moments?

Nirmal: Losing against Mohan Bagan in I-League last Year n Losing my Mom which I can’t forget.

Harmit: Your football related goals.

Nirmal: I want to run an Academy in my Hometown in my Mom’s Memory.

Great Comraderie!

Harmit: Favourite sport other than football ?

Nirmal: I like all indoor games (TT, Badminton n Volleyball)

Harmit: What do you like to do for fun?

Nirmal: I like to go for long drive with my few friends n shopping with my family.

Harmit: Your best friends that play in the East Bengal Team and others from the ILeague?

Nirmal: None other than Sanju Pradhan (playin since together 2000 – till in East Bengal )

Harmit: Your footballing ambition.

Nirmal: Not yet decided because I guess I have still long way 2 go!

Harmit: Any superstitions before or during a game?

Nirmal: It completely depend upon the tactics of a Coach how he instruct me, if he motivates me then I can play freely but if he can’t then some things will play in my mind which effect me very easily.

Harmit: Your favourite place where you like to play (stadium or city)

Nirmal: Really wants to visit Old Trafford (Home of Manchester Utd)….!!!

Harmit: Who do you confide in and seek guidance from when it comes to football?

Nirmal: Sometimes with my Hostel Coaches and most of the time with Senior Players like Bhaichung Bhutia , Rennedy Singh, Chitrasen, Debrata Roy, Bimal Birua, Mehraj-uddin.

Harmit: Who do you credit for the most for being what you are today?

Nirmal: First of All my Mom who stood behind me every time, my family, my coaches, my teammates (Air-India & East Bengal as well as National Team) my hostel-mates and the people of my hometown Melli Bazar (Border between WB-Sikkim) but last not the least Mr. PS Golay (Former Sports Minister) who pushed me in my difficulties!

Nirmal is a brilliant leader!

Harmit: What did you think is your strength as a player?

Nirmal: I’m a versatile player & I don’t have any one strength, I’m a straight forward player & when I enter the ground I never look who is in front of me…I just want to give my everything when I’m playing! No strength nothing.

Harmit: What would you say is your weakness as a player?

Nirmal: I’ve lots of weakness which I’ve to cut down next year, specially my heading ability. I hope in the near future I’ll be the kind of player which the every club wants…!!!

Harmit: If you were not a footballer, what would you have been?

Nirmal: Surely a good Bussinessman.

Harmit: The best coaches that you have played under so far?

Nirmal: Tough one. I think I enjoyed my work with every Coach whom I played under (Starting from my Academy till now). But few coaches who changed my style of playing. Like Mr. Colintoal (worked with Him in U-19 National Team) who helped me loads. Mr Stanely Rosario (Former East Bengal Coach), who trusted in me greatly and used to give me more confidence. Mr Bimal Ghosh who introduced me in professional football and I’m really very grateful to God who helped me loads in my difficulties!

Harmit: Many thanks for sparing the time for us.

Nirmal: It was nice to talking with you. Thanks