Interview with Captain NP Singh, father of Robin Singh

We interviewed Robin Singh right here , and now we cought up with his dad Captain NP Singh.

What does it take to nurture your childs sporting ambition, in India? To get an answer to that question, we spoke with Captain NP Singh, the father of Robin Singh, that TFA graduate that according to press reports has signed the most expensive contract in Indian Football for a newcomer.

Robin Singh with his family

Harmit : Please tell us about your family and Robin?

Captain NP Singh : We are a very emotionally close family of five – I am an ex merchant navy captain and after traveling the globe for 22 years hung up my sea-boots for good and now have my own fairly successful business. My wife is fashion designer and has her own business too. Apart from Robin, we have two daughters who are quite successful in their own fields. Robin is the youngest and of course the naughtiest.

Harmit : Was Robin always fascinated by football as a child or were there other sports that he was equally passionate about? Did you ever try and nudge him towards cricket, a more glamorous and well paying sport in India?

Captain NP Singh : As a child Robin always had high energy levels. He was always inclined towards sports and was willing to participate in any field games. At the age of 9, he enrolled himself in a cricket academy and did represent his academy at various levels. During this period, he also started playing football under the guidance of famous Indian player Anadi Barua. These were the formatting years and by the time he was 12-13 years time had come make a choice between cricket and football. My advice to him was to pick the sport he enjoyed playing most – WITHOUT ANY HESITATION IT WAS FOOTBALL!! Perhaps it was his football genes that spoke. My late father (Sqn.Ldr.Ajit Singh) was also a professional footballer. He use to play for Rajasthan Club in Kolkata in 1950’s and was also part of team called for final selection for 1952 Helsinkni Olympics. He was also the part of organizing committee for Durand Cup and Subroto Cup from 1968 till he passed away in 1994.

As regards to glamour and remuneration, I believe when a person is outstanding in any field these will follow.

Harmit : At what age did you think that Robin had something extra when it comes to football? How did you decide to provide the extra attention and training that some one with extra talent requires?

Captain NP Singh : Once Robin decided that he wanted to play football, the family stepped in. We all discussed about his training, education, adverse living conditions, diet, quality of people he would associating with and his personality development. At that time we were still unsure about Robin’s talent. We just wanted to ensure that Robin had our total support so that he could focus on further enhancing his talent. My wife, Caroline, deserves the kudos to make Robin what he is today. She monitored his diet, education, mental strength and of course the spiritual factor. She ensured Robin said his prayers every day and went to places of worship every Sunday. It is due to her that Robin is a fine young man today with clean habits and a very pleasing personality.

Harmit : How often do you go and watch Robin play matches? What advise can you give to the parents who want their children to play football?

Captain NP Singh : Ever since Robin joined CFA, I doubt we have missed any of the tournaments he has played. Most of the time me and wife travel together otherwise one of us must be present for the match. We have watched his matches in Chandigarh, Jamshedpur, Goa, Sikkim, Bhilai, Kolkata and anywhere in vicinity of Delhi. When matches are played in Delhi, my eldest daughter too comes down from Dubai to watch him play. We have had one of the best times of our lives with the teams – looking after them, treating them for injuries, consoling them when they loose a match and celebrating victories with them. This satisfaction and happiness is truly providential.

The parents who want their children to play football or any sport for that matter must ensure that the child has immense interest in that sport and most important enjoys playing the sport. The ages from 8 to 12/13 years are purely recreational and no stress must be put on child. It is after this age the critical period starts. The parents themselves must be involved in the sport and acquire as much knowledge of the sport so they too can monitor the child’s progress and ensure the child has sufficient talent to be an outstanding player. Remember, sports is a very serious business and thus cannot be taken lightly. In case the child is not upto the mark by the time he is 17/18, it is better to seek alternative careers rather than stressing the child.

Harmit : How did Robin get into the Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA)? As a parent, how hard was it to see Robin miss the penalty kick in the Subroto Cup in 2005 finals? This must have been a tough time for you as Robin then had to leave the CFA in 2006? How did you manage keep his spirits up during this time?

Captain NP Singh : After leaving Noida, Robin initially joined St. Stephen’s Football Academy, Chandigarh for a year. It was from here that he was selected by CFA. I was present in the Subroto Cup 2005 finals when Robin missed the penalty. I too was disheartened by the loss but then that’s what a game is all about. I would have been most pleased had the CFA officials clearly stated that Robin was being expelled from the Academy for missing the penalty kick. Instead they wrote to me that Robin has ‘stagnated’ in his training and thus was being released. It is now been over two years since the initial batch of CFA passed out from the Academy and they have all vanished into oblivion. I feel sorry for these children. In my opinion CFA is just an ordinary Academy run by sycophants and inept people.

Robin’s expulsion from CFA had no effect on me but it was Robin who was disheartened and felt the sense of rejection. I can absorb all setbacks in life but not my son’s rejection. I was ready to send Robin to Europe for further training but it was then Robin put his foot down said that he will prove CFA wrong by staying in India. Thereafter we approached TFA and they put the ‘stagnated’ player into motion. You are already aware of the momentum now!!

Harmit : Apart from spending time at the TFA, you also arranged for Robin to spend 3 months or so in England? Can you tell us more about his stint in England please. Did you have to fund this trip from your own funds?

Captain NP Singh : After training in TFA for almost two years, I finally believed that Robin had extra-ordinary talent. It was time to give him some international exposure. In December 2008, I sent him to Dubai for three weeks where he trained with a UAE first division club. However, Robin was not satisfied with this and expressed his desire to train in England. It was in May 2009 I got in touch with my associates in England and ex-England and Manchester City player Mel Eves took the task of training him. Robin enjoyed his stint in England and I was delighted to see a happy young man return to India. All expenses towards boarding, lodging and training were paid from my own resources and totally worth it.

Harmit : Today, when you look back at Robin having scored two goals in TFA’s historic win against East Bengal, having been a part of India U16 team and been to Germany, having played in the UK for 3 months, have a signed contract with East Bengal, do you feel Robin has answered those who doubted his talents.

Captain NP Singh : We provided Robin with a strong foundation. It has been his sheer hard work and dedication he has reached where he is today. It is now for him to evolve further and commence his journey to success. I respect those people who doubted his talent but they can take nothing away from us – OUR SON HAS MADE US PROUD!!