They are daily labourers by profession, but their passion is football. They earn their living by working as khalasi and doing other odd jobs. But they are obsessed with football during their leisure time and dare to dream big with their obsession.
Meet Kailash Harijan and Sania Harijan from Borigumma area in Koraput district who are determined to organise International Gold Cup Football. Moreover, inspired by Kailash and Sania’s love for football, several of their khalasi friends have also come forward to extend their helping hands to make the tournament a grand success.
“We are passionate about football. Apart from working as khalasi, we play football every day. We have been organising this tournament for the last 12 years. However, we want to make it big this year with the participation of some international teams. It will give us immense pleasure and joy to watch international players plying their trade in the mega event,” said Kailash Harijan.
“We work as khalasi and do other odd jobs to earn our living. However, our passion is football. We have been organising this tournament due to our immense love for the game. Players from different countries will participate in the tournament this year,” said Sania Harijan.
Khalasi friends of Kailash and Sania are organising the Gold Cup Football Tournament for the last 12 years. However, they have thought big this time and this year some foreign teams will participate in the International Gold Cup Football Tournament. Nigeria and Nepal teams along with many state sides will be in the fray this year.
“People of Koraput are passionate about football. Our khalasi friends in the district are playing some great football during their leisure time. Beyond their professional commitments, they are also managing to find time to organise such a huge football tournament. We all have been inspired by their passion for the game. We request the government to provide proper facilities to help the budding footballers in the district,” said Padman Swain, President of Maa Budhi Thakurani Khalasi Association.