Chandigarh, March 9
Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labor Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that during the S.D. Chatterjee Football Trophy, former football players were honored, and their pictures were displayed to remember them. “This is a sign of football’s resurgence, and Ambala Cantonment is set to regain its football glory.”
Sh. Vij was addressing people this evening after the final match of the S.D. Chatterjee Trophy at the FIFA-approved football ground of the War Heroes Memorial Stadium in Ambala Cantonment.
He expressed his appreciation for the Football Lovers Welfare Society for organizing the competition in the name of Dada S.D. Chatterjee. He said that “Nations perish when they forget their ancestors.” He was pleased to see that members of Chatterjee’s family had come here after many years, making it a true tribute to his contributions in developing football players in this city. He also appreciated the organization’s name, “Football Lovers Welfare Society,” stating that while players can be trained, the real need is for football lovers.
Ambala Cantonment was once a stronghold of football- Vij
Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij recalled watching football matches on this ground, where the stadium used to be packed with enthusiastic spectators who seemed as if they were playing the game themselves. He remembered Dada S.D. Chatterjee, who passionately guided football players. There was a time when Ambala Cantonment was the hub of football. Matches used to be held in this stadium, drawing large crowds. In Gandhi Ground, matches required tickets, and the stands were always full.
During that era, Ambala Cantonment had football teams like Union Club, Heroes Club, Aryans Club, and others that established their dominance across India, even defeating the renowned Mohun Bagan Club of West Bengal.
Built a FIFA-approved football stadium in Ambala Cantonment -Vij
Cabinet Minister Anil Vij noted that while other places had developed turf fields for football, players in Ambala Cantonment continued playing on dirt fields, causing the sport to decline. When he got the opportunity, he initiated the construction of a high-quality FIFA-approved football stadium in Ambala Cantonment, which will be completed soon. Within hundreds of kilometers, there is no other FIFA-approved stadium in this region. Continuous communication with FIFA is ongoing to host national and international matches here. Once major tournaments are held in Ambala Cantonment, talented players will undoubtedly emerge.
Football is a global game with a stronger foundation than cricket -Vij
Cabinet Minister Anil Vij pointed out that while cricket is dominant everywhere today, it is primarily a sport of Commonwealth countries where the British ruled. In contrast, football is a game played worldwide. He emphasized that other sports should not be neglected, as their foundation is even stronger than cricket. He highlighted that football players earn just as much, if not more, than cricketers.
He said that to promote positive energy among athletes, he has facilitated the construction of a football stadium, an all-weather swimming pool (which hosted Khelo India swimming competitions), an international-standard gymnastics hall, a badminton hall, and a yoga center in Ambala Cantonment. Additionally, he developed an open-air theater in Subhash Park, where the Mr. Ambala bodybuilding competition is currently taking place.
“Keep politics to us; don’t let it enter football” -Vij
Anil Vij stated that, “Keep politics to us; don’t let it enter football.” He mentioned hearing discussions that weaken the spirit of football. The game should be played with true sportsmanship. Even within their organizations, people should work with the right spirit. His goal is to channel people’s energy in a positive direction, and he is succeeding in this endeavor, with continued support for sports enthusiasts.
Vij boosted players’ morale by kicking a football
Before the final match, Anil Vij kicked a football on the field to encourage the players. He watched the final match, where Kalka Football Academy defeated Patiala’s Dalbir Football Academy 2-0 to win the tournament. Vij honored the winning and runner-up teams by awarding them trophies.
On this occasion, Welfare Society President Rajesh Sharma, along with Subhash Sharma, Naresh Kumar, Rakesh Sharma, Subhash, Ashok Sharma, Dheeraj Bhatia, Anil Goyal, A.D. Gandhi and other dignitaries, were present.
