Almost three decades after he became the prime footballer from Gujarat to represent India, C V Sasi will make the long trek from Kerala to Ahmedabad to see and encourage his former state in the 36th National Games in Ahmedabad.

The organisers quoted the defence as stating, "I owe everything to Gujarat." Without naming the two teams he would want to see play in that event, he said, "I will be there at the National Games and I am hoping to see the football final."  Sasi, who joined the Kerala Police in the middle of the 1990s, may reside 2,000 kilometres away, but his heart belongs to Gujarat. The former stopper back stated in the release, "I had made many friends during my stint there and I am hoping to reconnect with some of them at least." Sasi, who is now 56 years old, moved to Gujarat in the middle of the 1980s at a cousin's invitation to play football for the IIM-A team as a "guest player."

He remembers how, with the stipend he received for playing football, he had battled to make ends meet. But after IIM won the Ahmedabad League, Sasi's luck shifted, and as a result, he was invited to the State team's camp for the Santosh Trophy.

Later, he participated in four National championship games, the final one as captain.

Sasi is thrilled that the National Games will be held in Gujarat for the first time and anticipates that this would greatly enhance sports in the State. "Both Gujarat football and other sports would benefit greatly from it. I anticipate the State will make significant strides in a number of fields, "He forecast.

Sasi's greatest achievement was being selected for the India team for the 1993 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Beirut and Seoul. India was included in a group with Bahrain, South Korea, Lebanon, Hong Kong, and Hong Kong.

The team, led by the late VP Sathyan, an unflappable defender, was coached by the Czech Jir Peek and featured veterans like IM Vijayan, CV Pappachan, Bruno Coutinho, Tejinder Kumar, and Aqueel Ansari. India finished last in its group but took home the Asian Zone's Fair Play Trophy.

Sasi went to Pakistan with the "Blue Tigers" in 1993 for the inaugural South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Gold Cup, returning with the championship medal. Sasi earned a total of 10 National caps, including four in the SAARC tournament and six in World Cup qualifiers.

First football player from Gujarat to play internationally will have a wonderful homecoming. In addition, it is his way of giving back to the state that helped him become a major player, if not a megastar.

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