S Nandhakumar has been enjoying from the time he was ten years previous| Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

S Nandhakumar woke as much as the sight of girls and boys enjoying soccer at Kalyanapuram floor in Vyasarpadi day-after-day. He noticed them on his strategy to faculty, and on his approach again.

“My father, who was then an auto driver, took me to the ground one morning,” says the 27-year-old, who simply returned to Chennai after profitable the Intercontinental Cup as a part of the Indian staff. He was the one participant from Tamil Nadu on the event held at Bhubaneswar final month amongst India, Lebanon, Vanuatu, and Mongolia.

The Slum Children Sports Talent and Education Development Society’s staff (SCSTEDS) practised on the Kalyanapuram floor day-after-day, led by coaches N Umapathy, who was once the goalkeeper for the Tamil Nadu staff, and N Thangaraj. They took the 10-year-old into their fold. “Every kid in Vyasarpadi was playing football then,” says Nandhakumar, including that they nonetheless do. He remembers nothing extraordinary about his recreation as a faculty boy, when he performed for the SCSTEDS’ membership recurrently.

He first performed for SCSTEDS| Photo Credit:JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

It was solely as soon as he completed Class X and obtained into Wesley Higher Secondary School in Royapettah, by the sports activities quota, did he perceive what soccer may do for him. “I went to a Corporation School in Vyasarpadi. I got into Wesley only because of my game,” he says.

From then on, soccer steered Nadhakumar’s life. He performed on the Chennai League matches recurrently and in 2010, when he was 15, he travelled to Sweden for the primary time to play for SCSTEDS on the Gothia Cup, thought of the world’s largest worldwide youth soccer event.

In 2010, when he was 15, he travelled to Sweden for the primary time to play for SCSTEDS on the Gothia Cup| Photo Credit:JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

Chennai City FC’s S Nandhakumar (yellow) reacts as Aizawl FC’s Lalruatthara (39) holds the ball from him throughout their Federation Cup 2017 soccer match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on May 07, 2017.| Photo Credit:BISWARANJAN ROUT

“This was also my first time on a flight,” says Nandhakumar, including with fun: “I remember feeling numb; I got very sick on it.” His staff didn't win, however they beat Sweden, the host staff. “This boosted our confidence,” he says. This event was additionally when he obtained to work together with and observe gamers from worldwide groups.

Nandhakumar ultimately obtained into Hindustan University due to his expertise being noticed by coaches there, and went on to play for the college’s staff. He additionally made it to the I-League for Chennai City FC and took part within the Santosh Trophy and Premier Futsal in 2017. “The years 2017 to 2018 were a rollercoaster ride,” he says, including that he performed a number of life-changing matches, ultimately getting promoted to the Indian Super League and enjoying for Delhi Dynamos. It rained targets for Nandhakumar then, and he scored 11 targets in Durand Cup, ISL matches and Super Cup mixed from 2022 to 2023.

Meanwhile, again residence in Vyasarpadi, Nandha ‘anna’ grew to become the subject of debate amongst younger girls and boys. “Kids who admired Ronaldo and Messi, started following him since they could better connect with someone from their locality,” says coach Thangaraj of SCSTEDS: “They emulated his playing style; the way he carries the ball, shakes and cuts it.”

Nandhakumar contributed to altering the unfairness surrounding Vyasarpadi. “The moment we mention we are from the neighbourhood, people assume we are rowdies,” he says. He ensured he was the face of a brand new Vyasarpadi, one during which girls and boys walked with their heads held excessive and led disciplined lives. “My game automatically had a positive effect on my lifestyle,” he provides.

Now, there's a big following in Vyasarpadi for ‘Nandha’, as he's popularly recognized. Young boys comply with his dressing type, to not point out the best way he does his hair. T Akash, a 16-year-old footballer brushes his hair upwards to create a puff, like his hero.

This is the primary time Nandhakumar performed for the senior National staff. “I had goosebumps when I put on the team India jersey,” he says. “It is a feeling I cannot describe in words.” His is a unprecedented journey that started at a soccer floor in a uncared for North Chennai locality. Being a mentor retains him going, he states: “I have to ensure my game continues to be top notch. I have more responsibility on my shoulders now.”