At an arbitrary point on the journey to Sodepur,about 12 kms from Kolkata,dark grey meets muddy brown. Its the end of the motorable road,with the Public Works Department having either run out of money or deciding that enough progress had been made. At the end of that stretch,a two-storied structure towers over the rest in the locality. Welcome to the world of Subrata Paul star of Indias Nehru Cup triumph and born-again hero of Indian football. Bidhan Pally is a lower middle-class locality,and the Paul household is only now breaking out of that bracket. His father,Pranballav,owns a small-time sweets shop at Partharpur Market,a few minutes walk from home and Pauls mother admits that raising five children Subrata has a brother and three sisters was hardly easy. His father wanted him to study hard and acquire a decent job. We were not very well off at that time. But I put my foot down and persuaded his father to change his mind. Mishtu (Subrata) wanted to become a goalkeeper ever since he was spotted by Samir Chatterjee of Sodepur Maidan. Things have certainly changed now. The modern house they live in today was built two years ago and the entire area joined in the celebrations when Paul saved three penalty kicks in the shoot-out as India beat Syria on penalties on Monday night. Subratas progress in the world of Indian football has made his father a keen follower now,and he says that he wants his son to pursue a career abroad. Bigger dreams A few clubs from Belgium have already shown interest, said Debashis Mukherjee,Pauls personal coach and mentor and himself a former India keeper. They sent talent scouts to Barcelona during Indias preparatory camp ahead of the Nehru Cup,and also during the tournament in Delhi. Paul,however,is keeping his fingers crossed. It would be nice to get such an offer. Even if theres an opportunity to play in the top Asian leagues,I will be happy, he said. Paul,incidentally,had skipped Team Indias victory party after the Nehru Cup triumph. I had an early morning flight to catch. Also,I dont go to discos and movies. Reading Swami Vivekananda is my favourite pastime, he says. Hes relaxed now,but things were different early in his career. Paul was roped in by the Tata Football Academy in 2002. After a two-year internship,Mohun Bagan offered him a contract in 2004. Thats a season he doesnt like to talk about. First,there was the incident in the Federation Cup final against Dempo,when Cristiano Junior and he collided. The striker was taken off the field unconsciouss and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Later that year,Mohun Bagan coach Amal Dutta accused him of throwing away an IFA Shield match against East Bengal. Still in his teens,Paul was shattered. Fortunately for him,Bob Houghton,Indias national coach,was there to pick up the pieces. My family,friends and my coach supported me during those difficult times. Without their help I wouldnt have been here, he says. Bob Houghton resurrected my career. So what about Monday nights heroics? Luck plays a big part in penalty shoot-outs, he smiles. Just a few months ago,I couldnt save a single penalty in the Federation Cup semi-final against East Bengal. Earlier this year,Paul was dumped by East Bengal,and did not get a deal with any other club in Kolkata,leaving him with no option but to shift base. He currently plays for newly promoted Pune FC. I want to return to Kolkata,my hometown. Unless,of course,greener pastures come calling.
