Olympic goal for Deepak

Devrani first came into the spotlight after featuring as a defender in the India side that finished fourth in the table at the SAFF Cup earlier in 2010. His performance earned him a call from East Bengal.

“I remember when I had received the call,I was so happy to know that I will also wear the red and gold jersey. I always used to think that wherever I go,every one used to talk about (East Bengal midfielder)Robin Singh since he is also a Delhiite. So one reason of my excitement to join East Bengal was also getting equal recognition along Robin Singh,” he says with a chuckle. But East Bengal was not to be. “They had even come to my house to sign the contract but the AIFF informed me about their plans for the AIFF XI and so I dropped that plan,” adds Devrani.

While AIFF XI has signed him initially for one year Devrani wishes to continue with the Delhi based side even after the one year period. Not only does he like training under English coach Desmond Bulpin but adds that he also appreciates that he can pursue his studies while staying in Delhi.

“I have passed my class 12 and now I am looking to join a college. It is not easy to maintain a balance when you are living outside Delhi. So I would prefer to stick with AIFF. Moreover I am getting a proper chance to play for the full period in the AIFF XI which might not be the case with other teams,” Devrani says.

Having played five matches in the I-League,Devrani bagged the Man of the Match award against Dempo. However just before his last match against JCT at Gurgaon,he suffered an injury – a torn hamstring ligament. “The schedule has been very hectic. We have to travel a lot and the rest is less in between. It was when I was practicing one evening that I rolled a ball and felt a niggle. I have been advised rest by our doctor. He diagnosed it as a ligament tear which will take time to recover. In fact it has just been two days that I have started to walk. Hopefully in a few days I will be able to jog and resume my practice,” he says.

With hardly any time left for the Olympic qualifiers,and the AIFF making clear that young players will form the Indian side,Devrani hopes to recover soon. He recalls his memories of finding a place in the first eleven at the start of the I-league and now sees himself as a better player. “As I said I will start training in about a week’s time. My aim is to make it into the main side and I wish to contribute handsomely for India,” he signs off.