Bhubaneswar: Even as Odisha government’s promotion of sports has drawn international attention, three former football players, who made the state proud, have to work as daily labourers for a living. Meet Tulsi Ekka, Kishore Tanti and Sankha Marandi from Rourkela.
Both Tulsi and Kishore have represented Odisha at national level tournaments as well as prestigious clubs in the country. While Tulsi was a reliable defence, Kishore was an attacking midfielder. Their dribbling and control over the football not only kept the fans in awe but also drew appreciation from the opponents.
Several prominent clubs from Cuttack and Kolkata lined up to sign them considering their extra-ordinary talent. Both players represented Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in inter-district and national tournaments.
Tulsi played for Jobra Durga Club of Cuttack and two clubs in Kolkata League. Tulsi and Kishore also represented Odisha in Santosh Trophy.
Despite their excellent performance in several tournaments, patronage from any quarters remained elusive for them. Unable to get the financial support for their training and practice, both players of high calibre had to quit their favourite sports.
Now, they are working as daily labourers to eke out a living. Another football player of the steel city Sankha Marandi also faced the same fate. He is now working as a plumber to sustain himself.
Besides investing crores of rupees in development of sports infrastructure, the state government should come forward to extend patronage to brilliant sports talents to help them tide over difficulties in life, said sports experts of the state.
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