Tarun Roy announced as the brand ambassador of Football Delhi

• Tarun has been among those rare players from Delhi who represented school, club, state, and country
• He has been instrumental in his team’s victories on many occasions in club-level events and as a player for State Bank

Rajendra Sajwan

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced Tarun Roy as the brand ambassador of Football Delhi. Many well-known players from other states have been named under this announcement, including Magan Singh (Rajasthan), Bruno Coutinho (Goa), Ulaganathan (Karnataka), IM Vijayan (Kerala), Bembem Devi (Manipur), Gurudev Singh (Punjab) and Joyal Bey (Assam) among others. However, many big names are not included in the list of favorite players of the federation, due to which there is a strong reaction in football circles. But the inclusion of Tarun as Delhi’s representative is a welcome move by Delhi’s football.

  

Tarun has been among those rare players from Delhi who represented school, club, state, and country. As a player, he has achieved a special place in Delhi’s football. He became a member and captain of Delhi’s Santosh Trophy team ten times. When he got the opportunity to play for the country, he performed his role with full devotion and dedication. In the 80-90s, His performance was well appreciated. He has been instrumental in his team’s victories on many occasions in club-level events and as a player for State Bank. Indian Football Federation also gave due respect to the talent of Tarun, who is an expert in scoring goals.

 

  Before Tarun, his elder brothers Sushanto Roy and late Arun Roy brought glory to the football prowess of the Roy family in Delhi and in the football of the country. Following in their footsteps, Tarun got a chance to prove himself by playing for the Indian team on several occasions. Got the opportunity, which he capitalized on, and earned a name as a regular player on the national team. Seeing his talent, the federation sent him with the team to play in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where he remained only as a spectator. He was part of the Indian senior team for the Nehru Gold Cup, the West Indies tour, and many other tournaments.

  

Tarun has been coaching for the last several years. He is considered an expert coach, especially for women’s teams, having trained the national women’s team for Asian Games, SAFF Cup, and many other major events. He is playing the role of Head Coach of Vedanta Hindustan Zinc presently. Dozens of girls trained by him have become part of the national team. Since his contribution to Delhi’s football is immense, his selection as Delhi’s football ambassador is welcome.

  (Coincidentally the author has had the opportunity to play with and against Tarun in local club level and departmental football).