Baljit Singh Rihal, the name has not yet been familiar with the Indian football fraternity, but as this gentleman is trying hard to push Indian football to earn the desired prestige, it will take much time for the Indian football fraternity to actually recognise this individual.
Baljit Singh Rihal hit the sports pages of all the leading Indian newspapers very recently when Athletico De Kolkata, while trying to recruit its marquee footballer, had sent a proposal to legendary Didier Drogba through Rihal.
Yes, the man is a FA licensed agent. He has played a major role in three important signings in the forthcoming Indian Super League also. But that is not his identity. Although, he said, “I had already started football award programs. During that period an agent here in England, offered a challenge silently saying that I would not be able to pass agent’s examination as it was very tough. So, I took up the challenge and passed it.”
But Baljit Singh Rihal dreams of Indian football, being uplifted and placed in the mainstream of World Football in future. And with the mission, Baljit, a permanent resident of London, has already started scouting a few Indian footballers who have the potential to test his luck in Europe in near future.
The prominent name among the Indian footballers who have been signed by Baljit is East Bengal skipper Gurwinder Singh. Baljit said, “After spending some time with Kerala Blasters in the last ISL I found Gurwinder has a solid potential to go for trials in abroad. Davis James, the coach-cum-player of Kerala Blasters also recommended Gurwinder’s name on this occasion.”
So far, Baljit has plans to organize trials at a few URL clubs in America and at the same time according to Rihal, an opportunity might come to East Bengal skipper to go for a brief training at an English club. The Indian footballers still face difficulty in playing in England as visa rules in the country are stern and simultaneously due to India’s Fifa ranking below 50. Still Baljit has been trying to push the quality Indian footballers forward as he is highly optimistic about Mohun Bagan’s young star Ayushman Chaturvedi’s prospect.
Baljit added, “When he was training in England in last June our scouts from Norway attended his training and also got impressed. I also believe Ayushman also has great potential and ability to represent Indian national team in near future.”
Baljit has started awards programme for the Asian players in UK in both football and cricket. And he feels this has been his best achievement so far in his career. Baljit once used to play football when he was studying at the high school, in the 16th standard.
He said, “It has been my biggest achievement so far in my career to bring all the top club officials of EPL on the same stage at Wembley and also receiving a huge support from Football Association.”