Madanpura youth prefer football over cricket

In areas like Madanpura, contrary to popular tastes, cricket is not the first choice of youngsters. Yaseer Ansari, who works for a sports firm, says, unlike cricket, where one has to wait for their turn to bat, football keeps the entire team constantly engaged. While this is a reason for many to opt this sport over otherwise popular cricket, for some, the game is a source of income. And, especially in this area, skills in the sport is something that is passed through generations.

Ansari says, "My father played football, but he didn't pursue it. I play because I find the game interesting and I work for a sport analyst firm, too. We won the game on Thursday by 1-0 and have been performing well. Youngsters here prefer football over cricket."

Ansari has played football at state-level.

For another footballer, Tabish Ansari, the sport has been played for generations. Both his father and uncle are footballers. "My father works with a government organisation and he secured the job through sports quota; same goes for my uncle. I am 20 now and have been playing the game for more than 5 years. I want to pursue it further."

Ansari Sajid, who runs a football academy in Madanpura, coaches more than 50 kids who are now playing at various levels. "My aim is to train the kids and hone their skills in the game; this is why I run the football academy. My entire family is into football. Tournaments like this encourage more talent to come out and play. It helps shape a lot of kids and such exposures are better for the game, too," he said.