The clamour for Players of Indian Origin (PIOs) to be drafted into the Indian football team have grown louder since India lost to 'tiny' Guam in a World Cup qualifier last month. Some have called for the government to modify the rules and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) too is understood to have put together a list of eligible players.
Even someone like Michael Chopra — who refused the offer at his prime — is now willing to take up the Indian passport.
All of this must have made a certain Izumi Arata cringe. The half-Indian half-Japanese footballer knew what he wanted and was willing to make the sacrifices to represent India.
"It all depends what the player wants. In my case, I wanted to represent the Indian national team," said Arata, speaking with TOI after returning to India from a refreshing holiday in Japan.
Arata made history when he became the first Indian origin player to represent India in a friendly against Palestine in 2013. The then coach Wim Koevermans decided to bring Arata into his side after the Japanese midfielder procured an Indian passport, thanks to his mother who is an Indian, and his wife, Shweta.
"I have no regrets at all. My dream was to represent the national team and I am confident I will return to the side. I am willing to prove myself," said Arata.
"I missed out on ISL last season. It was a great football event. I could see the quality (of the players) and the crowd response was amazing. As a football fan, I was delighted to see the crowd. I've never seen something like that in India," he said.
Times of India journalist as usual show their ignorance on Indian Football. Arata father was Indian not mother as this article is saying. Gujarati Father and Marathi wife makes his decision to become Indian citizen much easier.
Comments
He didn't deserved any.
Best coach - can't get. Best venue - can't get. Best foreigner - technicaly can't get anymore. Best young player - he ain't young anymore.
Best Indian player - hell no.
He choud have got one if there was an award called Best former PIO .
All of this must have made a certain Izumi Arata cringe. The half-Indian half-Japanese footballer knew what he wanted and was willing to make the sacrifices to represent India.
"It all depends what the player wants. In my case, I wanted to represent the Indian national team," said Arata, speaking with TOI after returning to India from a refreshing holiday in Japan.
Arata made history when he became the first Indian origin player to represent India in a friendly against Palestine in 2013. The then coach Wim Koevermans decided to bring Arata into his side after the Japanese midfielder procured an Indian passport, thanks to his mother who is an Indian, and his wife, Shweta.
"I have no regrets at all. My dream was to represent the national team and I am confident I will return to the side. I am willing to prove myself," said Arata.
"I missed out on ISL last season. It was a great football event. I could see the quality (of the players) and the crowd response was amazing. As a football fan, I was delighted to see the crowd. I've never seen something like that in India," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/articlesh…/47917180.cms