Kolkata Club, Kalighat goalkeeper Subroto Sankar took the first step in the dream journey to American Football in the NFL, as he won the Kolkata Leg of the series of “The Million Dollar Kick” City Try Outs.
The 23 -year-old Subroto, who had never even heard of American Football of NFL ‘kicked’ his way into the National Finals of “The Million Dollar Kick” at the Mohammedan Sporting Club ground on Friday at the conclusion of two-day trials, which saw nearly 60 participants from all across West Bengal.
Subroto, who has played for the Local Kolkata clubs and played football at the regional level, topped the Kolkata leg with a best kick of 62-yards, as against the NFL record of 64 yards, set by Matt Prater in 2013. However, Prater’s kick was with the football gear, including the helmet, in a match situation and Subroto touched 61 yards without any gear.
“The Football capital of India has given us a reason to celebrate, we have scouted a fine talent in the form of Subroto and I am sure he will surpass his 62 yard kick in the finals”. ,” said Neeraj Sareen, Founder and Promoter, Sports Mantra and Million Dollar Kick.
Subroto was the only player from Kolkata, to be chosen for the National finals to be held in New Delhi on the 11th Of February at Siri Fort. The winner will be trained and given a try out in NFL in the United States.
“I am extremely excited for the finals in Delhi, this is a completely new sport for me and I hope I can put up a good show in the finals,” said an enthralled Subroto
“ I travelled 2 hours in a bus from Howrah to be a part of the Kolkata tryouts, I come from an extremely humble background, but my parents have been tremendously supportive in me pursuing my dreams to play football. I guess my hard work has finally paid off and I hope I can make my family further proud by winning the Million Dollar Kick finals “
The “The Million Dollar Kick” was presented by the creators of the world-famous ‘Million Dollar Arm’ franchise that led to Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel playing in the US’ Major League Baseball and Delhi based sports marketing and events company, Sports Mantra.
The Grand prize will be an all-expenses paid trip to the US for an American football coaching course at one of America’s top colleges, followed by a trial with top NFL teams to join their roster as an ‘NFL Kicker’, which could herald the start of the India story in American Football.