Jackichand Singh
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A profile
Indian Express Written by Mihir Vasavda, May 3, 2015
Jackichand Singh, who made debut against Nepal last month, started his journey with a borrowed football and Rs 100 shoes. Jackichand Singh started his journey with a borrowed football and Rs 100 shoes that were one size too small and there has been no looking back since. Jackie has been an integral part of the team, helping them win the second division last year and become contenders for the I-League crown this season.
He is living his dream. Sporting a flamboyant hairstyle and six tattoos, he fits the image of the quintessential modern-day footballer. His entire left arm is covered in ink — a Chinese fish that symbolises success, perseverance and longevity is intertwined with a colourful dragon. But it’s the pink heart with the face of a woman near his wrist that demands attention. “That’s something my friend tried. It was done long, long back. I don’tn even remember why,” he says, embarrassed. A teenage crush, perhaps? “No… I married her four years ago. She is the mother of my three-year-old son,” he smiles. “She was my neighbour at Manipur. We grew up together. Once I got a proper salary from Wahingdoh, I didn’t see any reason why I should delay the marriage.”
The names of his wife and son are inked on his right arm – Beauty and Civic. “Such names are common back home,” he reasons, adding that he had a teammate whose name was Firstmayborn because, well, he was born on May 1. Another was named Smiling.
The prospect of playing in the ISL excites him. It would help him finish the construction of his house in Manipur. But at the same time, he is resisting the urge of joining bigger I-League clubs for better money. “It would be good to get picked in the ISL. When I started out, I played football for money because I’ve seen what poverty is. But my perspective has changed over the years. Money is important even now but it is not the dictating factor. I share a special relationship with Royal Wahingdoh. It won’t be so easy to end it,” he says.
