To receive two awards was the biggest sporting achievement for Yash Patel.

Mr Patel who played for the Lami Gujarati Sports Club (LGSC), got the Best Young Player of the Year award and also the Highest Goal Scorer’s award during the 2021 Fiji Gujarati Sports Association’s Interdistrict Competition (IDC).

The IDC was played at Ratu Cakobau Park (ground two) in Nausori during the Easter long weekend.

“Yes, this is the first time I’ve received trophies in a sporting event and also the first time for me to play a full game in a Gujarati IDC,” he said.

The 22-year-old said this was all made possible through the support of the Lami players, officials, and their dedicated supporters.

“They always believe in me and motivated me during training by pushing me harder,” Mr Patel said.

Prior to joining LGSC, Mr Patel have been participating in the Gujarati IDC for the past four years for another team.

However, he was always on the reserves and only got to play for only 10 minutes.

Lami Gujarati Sports Club officials, players, and their dedicated supporters celebrating the achievement during the 2021 Fiji Gujarati Sports Association’s Interdistrict Competition last weekend. Photo: Supplied.

“Instead of beating myself up about it, I decided to use it as a motivation to prove to myself that I could do better.”

Mr Patel then joined LGSC where he saw more opportunities because he was in a better environment and there was a great team spirit.

“When I joined LGSC, it felt like home and all the players always had each other’s backs and looked after each other well.

“We were like brothers and I believe this unity helped us reach the finals of the Fiji Gujarati IDC and enabled me to get the Best Young Player and the Highest Goal Scorer trophies,” Mr Patel said.

Currently, Mr Patel is studying to become a pilot at Advance Aviation Training in Nadi.

He acknowledges the officials of LGSC especially Jitesh Patel for the countless hours that he has invested in the team, Mikash Magan and coach Ronald Ram for always guiding them during training.

He said a special thanks goes to the sponsors Geodis and D N Patel for their continuous support and generous sponsorship towards the club for the last three years.

Lami Gujarati Sports Club team at Cakobau Park during the 2021 Fiji Gujarati Sports Association’s Interdistrict Competition (IDC) held last weekend. Photo: Supplied

Advise

Mr Patel advises young players that have just joined and are yet to still get game time during tournaments.

“A bit of motivation and putting your mind to it is all you need.

“If a player that used to be benched previously for four years can do it, then anyone can.

“You just need good people around you that lift your spirits and motivates you.”

Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj