Here is a footballer from a family of policemen equipped with skills of ‘international standards’. Son of a former anti-corruption bureau (ACB) officer, 38-year-old Ajay Chorge is the only Indian to have graduated to the FA youth level 2 licence this year. His two brothers too serve in the police force.
Thanks to Venky’s, Ajay who has been the coach of Bishops FC in the city, was given a chance to accompany Blackburn Rovers in England as one of their coaches.
The striker, who has donned the colours of many city clubs, completed the FA level 2 coaching and now looks ahead for the FA level 3.
Ajay preferred a football jersey over khaki. “It was tough to convince my family initially. However, once they saw that I was doing well in the game, they left on me to decide,” said Ajay, who was brought up in the police lanes in Range Hills in Khadki.
Under his guidance, Blackburn Rovers finished runners-up to West Bronwick in the under-15 football championship, beating the likes of Manchester United and other major teams in England.
Dropped out of college when he was in standard XI, football has been Ajay’s first love.“Apart from my family, who were adamant in the beginning, there are others who have helped me in their own way and I owe a lot to the Venky’s, and wife Tripti,” said Ajay.
Ajay started playing the game at the age of seven. “There was a time when I was not picked up in any team. I used to sit on the sidelines and throw the ball in the game. I did not lose hope,” he said.
“I started playing for Deccan B, then moved to Shivajians, City Club before moving to the Deccan XI,” said Ajay about his campaign in different city-leagues.
Unfortunately, Ajay could not make it to the bigger league and decided to coach small teams, including those in schools. And it was coaching Bishop’s FC which opened a new lease of life for this pint-size striker.
“I was called by the Blackburn Rovers for a short stint in England, I made the most of it and have earned some status,” he signs off.
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