Know Your Legends - Mr Brahmanand Shankhwalker

Brahmanand Sagun Kamat Shankhwalker is one of India's most successful Goalkeepers and is the receiver of Goa’s only Arjuna Award in the 20th century. Born on the 6th March 1954, in Taleigao, a place on the outskirts of Panjim, Brahmanand began playing for the Panvel Club in the premier division football at the tender age of 15. He played with the club for 3 years post which he moved to Salgaocar SC, a club where he gained the status of a legend. He represented Salgaocar for an impressive 17 years from 1974 to 1991 helping the side win multiple football tournaments like the Federation, Rovers, Bandodkar, etc as their goalkeeper.

In 1975, Brahmanand was selected to represent India as their goalkeeper at the 17th Asian Youth Championship at Kuwait; he was also a member of the senior Indian football team from 1976 to 1986, captaining the side from 1983 to 1986.

In his club level career, He joined the Churchill Brothers in 1991 and donned their jersey for 4 seasons, helping them win tournaments as well. Brahmanand then moved to Anderson Marine whom he represented for a season and finally hung his boots 1995.

In his domestic career, he represented Goa for an unforgettable 17 years during which he won the Santosh trophy for the first time in 1983 with them. In 1984 edition of the Santosh Trophy, Brahmanand was given the captain’s armband, winning the tournament while achieving the feat of not conceding any goals during the entire tournament.

Among the international tournaments he represented India are the 18th Asian Youth Championship at Bangkok, the Merdekar Cup at Kuala Lumpur, Jasson Celebration Cup at Kabul, President Cup in Seoul, South Korea, King's cup at Bangkok, the 9th Asian games at New Delhi.

How was Indian football as a whole back then? Was the scenario better at that time?

The standard of football was better back then. We had some really great players up the ranks. But now there are better facilities, training system etc. Also, players get less exposure to competitive football now which should change soon. Other south Asian nations have surpassed and are developing their game.

Nowadays, young players are made to train more than playing matches. Competitiveness helps transforming a talent into a prodigy.

Any achievements or aspirations which you were looking forward for but could not achieve?

I always wanted to represent India which I achieved successfully. But I also had the desire to play abroad, in England. I wanted to play in the 3^rd division from where I could grow as a player and keep improving to move to the big league clubs.

How do you prepare for a match?

As the day of the match approaches, pressure always increases. It builds up. But I used to calm myself down and be composed. Maintaining a good sleep and a healthy diet always helped. I would make sure that I was focused with no diversions whatsoever. I’ve always lived by this idea.

What was your biggest weakness as goalkeeper and a professional footballer?

When I started off as a goalkeeper I made a lot of mistakes initially.Especially, when I had a broken arm, a year and half before Delhi Asiad and I had to recover from that. I always took it in my stride and showed optimism. Ponder upon my mistakes.

I had a hard time reading crosses and grounded shots, which I later overcame in training. Former Olympiad Mr. Rangraj was an integral part of helping me in training.

What is your take on Goan football and its current status? What does the future hold?

Goan football is well placed right now and is building grassroots level football quite well. Though the training and facilities are coming up, the players, especially the youngsters, need more game time exposure. Competitive football helps in a player’s growth a lot.This will change soon in the coming years.

Do have any advice to the youngsters? Especially those who wish to pursue a career in the field of sports?

My advice would not just be for the aspiring youngsters but to their parents as well. If you see talent in your child you should give more freedom and encouragement. Try to push them and help them learn time management. To the players, I would just say that always keep persistent commitment and dedication.

Any players you coached you would wish to highlight? Are there any players that you think that we should look out for?

There have been many I have coached and went onto become prolific players. Notable names would be Luis Berreto, Felix De Souza, Barrio Colaco and Clifford Miranda. After joining SERSA as their administrator and goalkeeping coach I’ve had the privilege to train young talents like Santosh Manjrekar, Ozen Fernandez, Runal Gaolkar. Also, sporting clube de goa’s defender Dheeraj, the lad is very well built.

For his outstanding contribution, the AIFF honored him by declaring him the "Player of the Decade 1985-1995". Brahmanand is also the second Indian football player to have capped for India in more than 50 occassions. The Limca Books of Records has featured him in their 1993 edition for his contributions to the field of sports. In order to motivate the children to take up sports disciplines seriously the Goa Government have dedicated a lesson in the school textbook on the life and personality of Brahmanand.

Currently, he is working as the project officer at the Sports Authority of India. He is also involved in scouting and development of talented youngsters. In recent times, he has provided his assistance in the training of goalkeepers of the under-19 Indian football team. He has completed a diploma course at the 2nd Asian Coaching School as well as the Asian Football Confederation "C" Licence course.