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Jeakson Singh Thounaojam: I shouldn’t be getting all the credit

India's first ever goalscorer in a FIFA World Cup, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, celebrating his goal against Colombia in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)

After having etched his name into the history books, India U-17 midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam described his goal scoring exploit as a “great feeling.” But the lanky midfielder wasn’t willing to bask in glory all for himself.

“I’m very happy and I would like to thank my teammates as because of them I got the opportunity to score. “I only played my part. Just because I scored it doesn’t mean that I should get all the credit. It was a great feeling for me as well as for the entire team and country,” he stated.

“I want to dedicate the goal to my parents. I talked to my mother and she was very proud of me. My father is unwell after having suffered a cardiac arrest but he knows that I’ve scored for India,” he added.

“I was very excited at that moment; in fact, we all were watching the fans scream. But we conceded immediately and it was quite a shattering feeling.”

“It was such a sweet and sour feeling for all of us. There were many who congratulated me. I was happy; we were all happy. But at the same time, it was so much of a disappointment as we couldn’t get a result which I feel we fully deserved.”

With India facing Ghana in their final group stage encounter Jaekson informed the team is “ready for the African challenge.”

“We will play as per our plans. As a team we are prepared to fight it out. We played well against Colombia. We have fought hard and will do the same against Ghana,” he pronounced.

(AIFF Media)