As the new batch of Indian Arrows prepares for the challenges that face them in the upcoming Hero I-League, a few of the boys will be drawing their inspiration from more familiar quarters – home.

All India Football Federation’s developmental side Indian Arrows have been infused with a new batch of boys this season, boys that have come through the ranks from the U-17 National Team, with the aim of preparing them for the 2022 AFC U-19 Championship. The players had first assembled in Bhubaneswar, where they had a brief training camp with the aid of the Odisha Government, before they made their way to Kolkata for the pre-season, leading up to the Hero I-League.

Two of the midfielders from the Arrows – Harsh Patre and Lalchhanhima Sailo – are from police backgrounds, with their fathers working as the protectors of the realm even during the times of the pandemic.

Lalchhanhima Sailo, who is one of the few players who were in Arrows last season, is another member of the squad whose father was risking his life on the lines. The 17-year-old’s father, Lalnunmawia, is a Sub Inspector, posted in the Mamit district of Mizoram, along the state’s borders with Tripura and Assam.

“Border duty, even state borders, could be very taxing for the police officers. Of course, they have their regular duties to perform, but during the Lockdown, they had to double-up on COVID duty as well,” said Sailo.