The Nilgiris has reasons to cheer as three of its boys will represent the country in the Mini Football World Cup.

B Sharan, I Narathey Kuttan and Nasmudi Kuttan are in the Indian team for the Mini Football World Cup championship to be held in Tunisia between October 6 and 15. This is the first time India is participating in the World championship.

B Sharan, is a second year BCA student at VLB College of Arts and Science, while Narathey and Nasmudi are from the tribal community. They had discontinued their studies.

In mini football six play for a team. There will be five substitutes.The three are receiving training under Raman Raghunathan, Director of MSC Sports Academy in Nilgiris.

Raman said the three boys had been undergoing training under from him for last five years. “The boys are performing well and are really dedicated,” he said.

B Sharan took to football when he was studying in the Nilgiris Matric Higher Secondary School Lovedale. He was a member of the national team at the Asian Footvolley Cup last year in Thailand. “I feel very proud and happy that I can represent India. I will give my best for my country. I feel so happy that I got this opportunity,” he told The Covai Post.

Raman said that since football was not a popular game here, there had been hardships in getting funds which came mostlyu through private donations.

The boys will be travelling to Mumbai in two days to take part in the week-long training camp before the team leaves for the championship.