For Snehasish Bhattacharyya, a 17-year-old budding footballer from Shyamnagar, meeting FIFA World Cup 2022 golden glove winner Emiliano Martinez, taking a selfie with him and getting a jersey autographed was a dream come true.
A Class XII student from St. Augustine’s Day School, Snehasish was one of six students who had an opportunity to meet the football star at JW Marriott, Kolkata, on Wednesday.
The Argentina jersey of Snehasish Bhattacharyya autographed by Emiliano Martinez Snehasish Bhattacharya
Narrating how it all began, the young athlete who plays football and cricket for his school, shared, “I was at the school playground when our guard told me that our principal Rev. Rodney Borneo wanted to see me. My first thought was, ‘did I do anything wrong’?” recalled Snehasish, with a smile.
(L to R) Snehasish Bhattacharyya, Sanushree Sarkhel, headmistress of St. Augustine's Day School, Shyamnagar, with Emilianio Martinez and principal of St. Augustine’s Day School, Shyamnagar Rev. Rodney Borneo at JW Marriott, Kolkata Snehasish Bhattacharyya
The principal conducted a football quiz among a few students and Snehasish was asked about his favourite football team and his favourite player from World Cup 2022. Unaware of the prize that was up for grabs, Snehasish named Emiliano Martinez. “My principal said ‘Please get a haircut, you will be going to an event’.”
“I still remember the date. It was June 20. I was so taken aback but more surprise was in store. On July 1, it was confirmed that I would be meeting Emiliano Martinez and I could not believe it was indeed happening,” Snehasish said.
“As soon as he (Emiliano Martinez) entered, we all started cheering, ‘Vamos Argentina’. The feeling was inexplicable. So far I had watched him on television, and now there he was in front of me,” reminisced Snehasish. The young fan managed to reach out to Emiliano and requested for a selfie, to which the charming footballer obliged with a big smile and a thumbs up. His humility touched Snehasish, something that he cherishes till date. “Among all the students I was the one to manage a selfie. My schoolmates are jealous of me,” he chuckled and shared with My Kolkata.
Snehasish Bhattacharyya with Emiliano Martinez Snehasish Bhattacharyya
Snehasish also asked Emiliano about his thoughts during his last save in World Cup 2022. The football icon spoke about being calm and composed in any situation, something that Snehasish has taken as a lesson. Watching the footballer with the replica of the World Cup trophy was one of the highlights of the meet. The meeting ended with the two shaking hands and Snehasish wishing Emiliano the very best.
Snehasish, who is pursuing science in school and aspires to be an electrical engineer, has football in his genes and shares his passion for the sport with his father, Subhashis Bhattacharya. Subashish played as the main striker for Calcutta Port Trust from 1994 to 2004. During his stint as a footballer, Subhashis scored goals against Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and many other popular football clubs. The doting father, who often watches matches with his son, is proud of Snehasish’s luck. He has asked about the experience several times since then.
A newspaper cutting from the 1990s carrying a photograph of Snehasish’s father Subhashis playing football for Calcutta Port Trust Snehasish Bhattacharyya
Snehasish, who has met Sunil Chhetri in the past, is a huge fan of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar Junior and Mohamed Salah apart from Emiliano.
