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Meet the first Indian goal scorer of ISL

Last updated on: October 16, 2014 09:05 IST

Balwant Singh

Balwant Singh, centre, of Chennaiyin FC celebrates after scoring. Photograph: Courtesy: ISL/Facebook

Chennaiyin FC’s Balwant Singh got his name into the record books of the Hero Indian Super League on Wednesday.  The striker became the first Indian scorer in just-launched football extravaganza, scoring against Goa FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, in Margao.

ISL: Balwant, Elano help Chennaiyin edge past hosts Goa

Balwant Singh

Balwant Singh, top, of Chennaiyin FC celebrates with teammates. Photograph: Courtesy: ISL/Facebook

He scored the opening goal in his team’s 2-1 victory over the hosts.

Chennaiyin doubled the lead when Brazilian World Cupper Elano scored with a beautiful free-kick. Goa FC reduced the margin through Frenchman Gregory Arnolin in the 65th minute.

An ecstatic Singh said, “It is an absolute honour to become the first Indian scorer in the Hero ISL. You always have to work hard to get into the team because there are so many quality foreigners. So I think my hard work paid off.”

Nita Ambani, left and Balwant Singh, right

Nita Ambani, Chairperson IMG-Reliance & founding Chairperson of Football Sports Development (ISL) and Balwant Singh, extreme right. Photograph: Courtesy: ISL/Facebook

Apart form the football, the fans are also the talking point of the ISL.

Singh acknowledged the crowd support the teams got in Goa, saying, “The crowd was great for the home side and it was a great feeling to play in such a great atmosphere.”