Lucknow in grip of soccer fever, camps see rush

LUCKNOW: Football fever has gripped the city since the start of FIFA World Cup 2018, with young boys and girls making a beeline for enrolment in football camps conducted by District Football Association (DFA).
DFA secretary Kanhaiya Lal said that against the annual average of 100 applications, this year the association has received more than 200 applications, including 80 from girls, in June itself for enrolment.
Many applicants are less than 10 years old. The applications are submitted at KD Singh 'Babu' Stadium, while practice sessions are held at Chowk stadium in morning and evening.
On Thursday evening, when TOI visited the Chowk stadium, the ground was full of players in t-shirts with names of popular star players.
"My favourite is Lionel Messi. I want to become like him. I daily learn new style of kicks as I watch FIFA World Cup matches. I don't miss a single match. My father also likes soccer so he allows me to watch the match that starts at 11.30pm. Normally, he scolds me if he sees me awake at 10pm," said 6 year old Hasan, who soon got busy chasing the ball.
Another new fan, Anshul (7) said, "Recently I visited England with my parents and met Harry Kane. I was thrilled when he scored a hat-trick. I want to play like him and practice four hours daily."
Zyana Sheikh (19), a national-level player, was balancing the football on her feet. "I was fond of football since childhood. My favourite team is Brazil. I learn a lot seeing Neymar play. I have played in two national tournaments and won a bronze."