After decades in hibernation, the footballing giant called India is finally waking up from its deep slumber. The sudden upsurge has seen an incredible pool of young and talented footballers cropping up all over the country. A certain 23-year old Manipuri right winger, Jackichand Singh, is one of the frontrunners in this horde of players.Named after the famous Jackie Chan, Jackichand Singh is no less of a fighter as is evident when he gives it his all on the pitch. The hot prospect who idolizes Zinedine Zidane from France and Renedy Singh from his home nation, India, plays for Royal Wahingdoh in the Hero I-League and was far and away their standout performer. Scoring 5 goals from the wings in 18 appearances, Jackichand was one of the best players in the league in 2015, and he was adjudged the ‘Hero of the I-League’ for the season. The dynamic wideman is about to take the next step in his career by being a part of the Hero ISL’s 2nd edition.Owing to his fantastic performances and his immense potential, Jackichand will be one of only ten players to be going up for the first ever Hero ISL Player Auction in the second season of the ISL. When asked about the upcoming auctions and the chance to play in the ISL, he said, “I am very excited that my performance this season has enabled me to be part of the auction. I am raring to do well, quite gung ho about the opportunity to learn from the best players around me. I am not too worried about which team I will end up with, but looking positively ahead to give my very best to the team that picks me. It’s a new experience to be with new team mates, new coaches, a new setup and it’s a challenge that I am going to relish.”Jackichand’s favourite celebrity team owner in the ISL is the evergreen Sachin Tendulkar who owns Kerala Blasters, but was also honest when he said that the playing style of Chennayin FC or FC Goa would be best suited for him. He also believes that the top scorer of the previous season, Elano Blumer (8 goals) was the most influential of all marquee players. “Elano for Chennaiyin really stood out as the pick of the foreigners. He was a real team player and goal threat,” he said.Jackichand Singh will go into the Hero ISL Player Auction along with 9 other players on 10th July, 2015. It will be interesting to see where he does eventually land up, with a lot of teams expected to be vying for his signature.
