The 2021 Fiji Gujarati Sports Association’s Interdistrict Competition (IDC) Best Young Player of the Year award and the Highest Goal Scorer’s Yash Patel with his parents Geeta Ben Patel and father Suresh Patel. Photo: Supplied.
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.
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“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.
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.”
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