Sportspersons often have to sacrifice a lot, to maximise their performance on the pitch. Starting from culinary indulgences, to spending long periods away from their loved ones– they often have to forego the simple pleasures of life.
For Blue Tigers defender Adil Khan, that sacrifice was immense, in the 2020-21 season of the Hero ISL. While the league was being played from within a bio-bubble in Goa, Adil became a father, when his wife gave birth to a baby boy.
“I had to remain in a bio-bubble in Goa for the league, but my wife was in Mumbai when she was pregnant, and she had to manage a lot of things by herself,” Adil said, speaking to. “No matter what happens, we have a contract with our clubs, and we have to respect that.”
It was in February, when Adil’s club FC Goa was playing against Mumbai City FC, that Adil had received a message after the match that his wife had gone into labour, and that she was about to have a baby.
“I remember I was so excited and nervous at the same time. On the football pitch, I was just doing my duty, but this was something different,” he recalled. “We both had obviously wanted to be there when it happened, but I couldn’t. I remember I stayed up all night – I called everyone after the match – my parents, my in-laws, my friends. It was quite difficult to be stuck in a room in Goa when your wife is giving birth.”
“I got on a video call as soon as it was possible, to see my son. I was sad that I couldn’t hold him in my arms, but I was really happy to see him at the same time. Can’t describe the emotion,” he said.
It was at this moment, that the Blue Tigers defender started planning as well. “This was the moment that I thought, I’d make him a number 9, if I can, in the future,” Adil said with a chuckle. “After Chhetri Bhai, I hope he can become a striker and break more records.”
WHEN DUTY CALLED
While most footballers went back home after the end of the season, Adil only had a few days to meet his newly-born son in person, before he had to join the National Team camp in Dubai.
Even after returning from Dubai, the defender had to report to his club FC Goa for their AFC Champions League matches, which also took place in Goa. However, the family was allowed to be together inside the bubble, and Adil could finally spend some quality time with his son.
“Those months staying away from my family were difficult, especially when I knew my child was there. My wife was also very understanding during this time,” he said.
“Thanks to technology, though, we could at least speak over video calls whenever I was free.”
However, the one memory after the end of the Hero ISL season that will cling to Adil’s memory forever, will be when he finally got to hold his son for the first time.