FOOTBALL has always been Praveen Adrakar’s life.
A former footballer, who was an eagle-eye scout on talent, and who unclenched his hand to help needy teams.
He earned legendary status for the training and development of footballers in the Fijian community.
Among the many he was influential with, his grandsons, encouraging them to take up the sport he loved.
The weekend Battle of the Giants was the first tournament since the start of organized football that the former administrator wasn’t around as he had passed away earlier in the year.
But Praveen wasn’t short on representation as grandsons, Ariyan Adrakar and Selwyn Jr played for Suva, while Akash Sharma was a member of the championship-winning Nadi team.
The cousins made the premier debut in the first major tournament.
Suzie Adrakar, Praveen’s wife remembered her late husband as a passionate football administrator who took great pride in grandson’s football development.
“Praveen was a grandfather, coach, and mentor to the boys.”
She said Praveen would have been the happiest man on the weekend to see his grandsons represent the district of their choice.
Mixed feelings
Akash Sharma said it had been a feeling of sadness and celebration.
Sad, that (nana) grandfather who pushed him to take the sport wasn’t around to see him win the championship.
And happy that he had won his first Fijian championship and dedicated it to him.
“Nana (grandfather) was the biggest supporter in my soccer journey, starting me off at the age of 4 years old to sending me to Europe to play there.”
“And for him to not be here in person still hurts me every single day.
“He was the greatest man I have ever known whether it on or off the field.”
Akash said his grandfather’s football expertise and life’s lessons remained unparalleled.
“I miss his words, after games, he would always tell me what I did wrong, and right and things I needed to improve, with nana’s soccer vision, he knew better than anyone.
“He is guiding and pushing me from heaven always. I know when I look up in the sky he’s looking down on me.”
Akash said he is glad to have played for Nadi and won the championship as his grandfather was a staunch supporter of the district and was good friends with everyone.
Solemn armband respect
Selwyn Junior wore an armband with initials (PA) on it, as a solemn sign of respect to his grandfather.
“Every game I play I always make sure to wear my armband with his initials on it. I wish he was here watching me play because, after the bad games, he would always tell me to keep my head up and never to worry.”
Selwyn said it was his grandfather who got him into football and the player he is, and with him on the pitch side, he felt confident playing.
“Nana was always passionate about me playing soccer, I started playing because of him and I always felt confident when he was watching from behind my net.”
Ariyan hurt not seeing grandfather on sidelines
Ariyan Adrakar wished his grandfather was around to watch him play, he and cousin Selwyn represented Suva.
Ariyan felt hurt not seeing his grandfather (dada) on the sidelines.
“It hurts not seeing him when I look back and see him smiling ear-to-ear when I beat a guy on the dribble or assist my teammates.
“It hurts a lot not seeing him doing his favourite thing in the world, watching soccer.”
Ariyan said the only thing that grandfather (dada) cared about more than soccer was his family.
“If he was able to see all three of his grandsons playing in the same tournament it would have made him the happiest person in the world.”
Ariyan is following the footsteps of his father, Neil Adrakar, who represented Fiji U23 in the year 2000 and made a name for himself in football in Vancouver.
“Sadly, as the youngest grandson he wasn’t able to see me play men’s soccer. I miss him very much and if there was one thing in the world I could wish for it would be to see his smile while watching the play one last time,” said Ariyan.
The Adrakar’s will continue to dedicate sporting events, like football to their grandfather as a way to honour his legacy, his love for the sport and his positive influence on their lives.
