When a casual visit to Panjim Market turned out to be a different ball game
August 1, 2023
Our daughter Megan had finished her Hindi paper as part of her formative exams today and my wife and I picked her from school. We then proceeded to the Panjim Market to buy some local vegetables.
We had completed our purchase and were walking towards our car when we crossed a tall and slim gentleman. I instantly gave him a big smile. He would not have known me as we had never met in person before, but he courteously reciprocated with a nod and a smile.
After walking ahead for a few metres, I told Megan who he was, and she instantly showed interest in him. I then asked Megan if she would be interested in a photo with him and she readily agreed.
We turned back and walked towards a shop where I had noticed him. I walked right up to him, and he instantly recognised me as the person who had smiled at him a few moments ago.
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| Megan Misquita along with Brahmanand Sankhwalkar |
Brahmanand Sagoon Kamat Sankhwalkar (69), more famously known as Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, is a much-loved Goan football icon who continues to have numerous fans even after retiring from the sport in 1995.
Consider his achievements: A former Indian footballer and a captain of the Indian team from 1983 to 1986 who played as a goalkeeper, considered one of India's best goalkeepers, had a 25-year playing career, named by the All India Football Federation as the player of the decade, (1985–1995), awarded the Arjuna Award in 1997 and the Padma Shri in 2022. He also served as chairman of the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC).
I had a brief chat with Brahmanand and introduced myself. But what made Brahmanand take keen interest in our conversation was when I mentioned that my brother-in-law Tony Gracias adored him as a young schoolboy. So much so, that Tony took to goalkeeping for his school simply because of his idol and even attended coaching sessions at the Fatorda conducted by the master himself. Tony would keenly follow Brahmanand’s moves and saves. Even to the point of demonstrating them during meals on the dining table, much to the amusement of his sister (my wife) and their parents.
Brahmanand was very pleased to know about his fan and enquired about Tony. “Please convey my regards and best wishes to Tony,” said Brahmanand.
I then asked Brahmanand if I could get a photo of Megan along with him and he readily agreed. We clicked a few photos and then wished each other, before we went our respective ways.
It was a casual visit to Panjim Market that turned out to be a different ball game. Goan sport stars will always be remembered, but what makes Brahmanand special is that he is a simple and unassuming hero.
Brahmanand is certainly a towering personality and as one of India's best goalkeepers, is surely our Wall of Fame.
God bless you, Brahmanand!
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It was lovely to read this post. Might I add another amusing fact about this humble person which I came across. When Solomon DSouza was painting one of his murals which was in fact of the footballer, the man himself happened to pass just at that time. While Solomon did not recognise him, eventually he was introduced to him. The mural still stands at caranzalem.
ReplyDeleteA delightful post. We all knew Brahmanand and he was a hero amongst our Goan footballers. Pleased to see him so well. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA delightful post. We all knew Brahmanand as he was a hero and a great ambassador for Goan football. It is great to see him well and still being the humble person he always was. Thanks for sharing.
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