Interview with Nirmal Chettri (India/Mohun Bagan)

Defender Nirmal Chettri has had a long journey from Sikkim to the Kolkata Maidans and this summer he makes the switch from East Bengal Club to Mohun Bagan AC. A big transfer in Kolkata and also for Nirmal, but with Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey also leaving the red-and-gold to join the green-and-maroon and that under controversial circumstances for Nirmal it has been a rather quite move. I caught-up with him for an interview...


Last season you finally made it into the senior Indian national team. We now have a new coach in Wim Koevermans. Whats your aim with Team India - just retain your place in the squad or regularly play in the first eleven?

After being for four years in the India probables squad for many camps that was the day I'll never forget in my life, my dream came true playing for India which I only used to dream about in my childhood!

I think its hard to move on from the loss of the old coach and then to work with the new coach you've got to do everything possible. My first aim is to be in the squad and then later to retain my regular place in the playing eleven.

I'm looking forward to work with our new coach Wim Koevermans and I would like to be part in every tournament India plays at international level.


After four years at East Bengal you are making the transfer to archrivals Mohun Bagan AC. Many red-and-gold fans are asking, why the switch? Are you feeling any added pressure ahead of the new season playing for the green-and-maroon?

Now I only can think about those days, its past now...

I think I got everything from the Red-&-Gold jersey. I am very grateful to some of the seniors players like Alvito and Uga who has been an inspiration to me. I thank the coaching staff and the team management for the support and believe they gave me.

Switching over to Mohun Bagan was like a dream of playing for two big clubs in India coming true for me. I just waited for the chance to play them. I got offers from them in two consecutive seasons but being with a contract at East Bengal I couldn't have held talks but now I'm officially a Sabuj-Maroon.

I depart as a friend and hope the supporters of East Bengal will always remember me for my hard work and my loyal service to club for the four years!

I know that there will be little extra pressure for me but I'll keep my head and soul calm. They signed me because I have proved myself at every level. So I'm ready to deliver good results for my new club.


United Sikkim FC from your home state will be making its debut in the I-League. What feelings do you have about this fact as a Sikkimese?

I am very happy for my idol Baichung Bhutia! It was not only his dream but mine also to see a team from Sikkim amongst the Elite in the I-League. It was a dream come true for the people of Sikkim. Now they'll get the chance to see the best teams from across India.

I hope United Sikkim FC will be like Shillong Lajong FC of Indian football and specially I'm waiting to play against them in Gangtok!

I hope they'll come above the expectations of the people and remain in the I-League for a long time!!!


You yourself are trying to do something for youth development in your state, Sikkim. Please do tell us more about it?

That has been the routine for me when I come home. Last year also I focused on the grassroot levels of villages. This year almost 50 local children in the age group of 9 - 20 years joined in the three days Summer Football Awareness Training Camp in my hometown (Melli). I'm doing it free of cost and its specially for the kids to raise awareness regarding injuries on the field. I'm just sharing it through my experience.

For me it's an amazing feeling to work with them for the short period.

And they are gradually becoming better as per their graphs comparing to last year.


I wish you all the best for the new season!

Thanks a lot Arunava!!!