There seems to be a sense of fear and anticipation among the parents and children
MUMBAI: The city may be limping back to normalcy but the action is not yet in full swing. The MSSA football and Harris Shield matches on Tuesday witnessed a low turn out as parents seem to be somewhat reluctant to let their children go to the maidans. There seems to be a sense of fear among the children and parents.
A football match between Teresa and Bombay International was called off as the latter did not turn up. “Parents are not ready to send their kids to play. Two-three schools were shut because of rumours about fresh attacks. Our principal inquired with the police who rubbished all the rumours. Yet, the parents did not want to take any risk,” said Milind Parsekar, coach of Bombay International School. MSSA football secretary Xavier Faria said things have gone haywire after the terror attack. “The boys’ under-14 final was supposed to be held today but everything has gone haywire. We have to reschedule everything from scratch.”
Some students, however, came to the ground to forget the last week’s horror events. “It was very scary,” said an under-14 player from St. Anne’s (Colaba). “Taj Mahal Palace is behind our school. It was something we see it everyday. We are yet to come to terms with it,” she said. The St Anne’s girls defeated defeated Activities High School 3-0.
“We just love the game and our school. That’s why we are here. Earlier we were a bit apprehensive but the love for football forced us to come out and play,” she added.
Their coach Pawan Rao was happy that the win would give his wards a different topic to discuss. “The parents of our players were really forthcoming and they wanted their children to go out and play and forget the events,” said Rao.
Many parents were seen dropping their children at the Azad Maidan, which is very close to Cama Hospital and Metro Theatre, the places where the terror incidents had taken place. Geeta Shroff, a parent, visited the MSSA ground for the first time.
Her daughter plays for Villa Teresa School. “Fear is still there as one cannot say what can happen. I just came be with my child,” she said.
