Nicolai Adam's personal tragedy ahead of U-16 AFC Championship

Not even personal tragedy could get in the way of Nicolai Adam's commitment ahead of India's opening match against the United Arab Emirates for the U-16 AFC Championship. Adam, who was appointed the coach for the U-17 team in 2015, received news that his father, Lambert Adam had passed away on Wednesday, just a day before their first match.

Adam’s father passed away in Germany after succumbing to prolonged illness, but in his time of grief, Adam refused to abandon his post. Despite the deep sense of personal loss, he continued with his duties as head coach and did not let it get in the way of the team's preparation for their first game.

“My father passed away on the morning of September 13 and it was not good for me personally. It was bad news. But my father was sick for a long time. My brothers, sisters and mama are happy that he is finally released from the pain that he had. The timing is bad but we have to focus on our jobs.”

He explained that while his father was never particularly interested in football, he did always encourage him to do what he wanted. He credited his father with encouraging him to continue a career in the sport.

“My father was never interested in football. None of my brothers or sisters are into football. What I remember most about my father is that he told us, 'you guys always do what you like the most'. In that manner, he inspired me to stay in football.”

In spite of longing to return back home to Germany to be with his family in this time of great need, Adam realises the importance of the responsibility placed on his shoulder. With the U-16 AFC Championship underway and the BRICS Cup coming up next month, he sees no hope of returning home anytime soon.

"I hope I can go back at the beginning of November," said Adam in his interview with the Times of India on Friday in Goa.

India lose opening tie

Adam remained with the team to oversee training ahead of the tournament and even took part in a pre-match conference with other national team coaches. His decision to remain with the team seemed to have paid off after India finished the first half with a 2-1 lead over the UAE. They were quick to attack, taking their opponents by surprise but were unable to hold onto their lead from an impressive first half.

The match at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa ended in a 2-3 victory for the UAE. after a turnaround performance from the visitors in the second half.