Sufi and Navaz's Chennaiyin FC fandom sparks community change (original) (raw)

In a heartwarming twist on the traditional tale of sports fandom, the story of Chennaiyin FC-supporting father and son duo, Navaz and Sufi, stands out for its unique reversal: while most stories feature parents introducing their children to the world of football, young Sufi’s enthusiasm for the sport unexpectedly drew his father into the fold.

In 2017, Sufi, who had struggled with speech delay while growing up, was recommended by his doctor to explore different social activities as part of a therapeutic approach. A Chennaiyin FC game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in 2017 was one such activity, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience.

A joyful beginning

Sufi’s first visit to the stadium, where he found immense joy and began to express himself with enthusiasm, not only helped with his speech development but also sparked a deep connection with the club.

Sufi’s newfound passion for football soon enveloped his father Navaz, transforming him from a passive observer into an ardent supporter.

“I didn’t know much about football, but Sufi’s interest in the game brought me into it,” says Navaz with a beaming face.

“The first time we entered the stadium, I saw Sufi shouting and cheering like everyone else. That was the first time I saw a different side of him — he was truly enjoying the atmosphere.”

“From that moment on, we started going to the stadium regularly, and that’s how our journey began. Now, the club has become a part of our family,” he shared.

Sufi, now 12, fondly reminisces about the day he first saw Chennaiyin FC when he was just five years old. He holds these memories close to his heart, knowing they will remain with him forever.

“I was so excited. I was cheering for all the players..,” Sufi says, his voice soft and filled with nostalgia.

Growing Chennaiyin FC fandom

The journey moved forward from there, and as Sufi’s love for Chennaiyin FC grew, so did his father Navaz’s involvement. A banker by profession, Navaz skillfully balances his demanding job with his commitment to his son and their shared passion for the club. Despite his busy schedule, Navaz ensures he dedicates quality time to Sufi, making it a priority to attend every home game together.

“It’s not easy to manage both games and work, but with the schedule coming out early, I try to manage them accordingly. Sometimes, I even work on weekends so I can take Sufi to games on weekdays.

“In the same way, Sufi manages to complete all his schoolwork around the time he goes to the stadium,” Navaz explains.

Sufi and Navaz’s passion for Chennaiyin FC has steadily grown over the years. What began as a single outing has evolved into a deep, ongoing commitment, and they are now devoted season ticket holders.

Their unwavering support has fostered meaningful connections with the club, including a particularly cherished bond with former ISL Cup-winning coach John Gregory. Although Gregory is no longer associated with Chennaiyin FC, he has maintained a heartfelt connection with Sufi, ensuring he never misses an opportunity to send birthday wishes and stay in touch.

"Sufi was the youngest season ticket holder when he was just six, and we still purchase season passes every year since,” remarked Navaz.

— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) January 25, 2023

Even today, they attend every meet-and-greet with the players to share their heartfelt messages with the team. It became even more special for the young boy when he got the opportunity to celebrate his birthday with the senior team during the 2022-23 season.

“The cake-cutting with the players and coach last season was one of my favourite moments,' said Sufi.

Their dedication goes beyond just attending home games. Sufi and Navaz have also embraced the thrill of away matches, starting with a memorable trip to Bengaluru FC in 2017. This experience introduced them to a fresh and lively atmosphere, highlighting the exciting rivalry with the Blues.

“It was a memorable experience for us when we walked through the Bengaluru streets with the fans on our way to the stadium. Even though the result wasn’t in our favour, the journey to another state and the atmosphere at the rival ground made it a special moment for us,” stated Sufi’s father.

Navaz’s impact on the community through Chennaiyin FC

But the story doesn’t end here. Navaz has taken his dedication to the next level by becoming an active and generous supporter of the community.

His commitment is evident in his actions, including sponsoring free tickets for underprivileged children to attend each home game and organising a summer football camp for those in need. These initiatives reflect his belief in the power of football to inspire and uplift others, extending the joy he and Sufi share to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

“So far, we have arranged tickets for more than 1,000 underprivileged kids, giving them their first experience in the stadium. We aim to fulfil their dreams of watching a live match.”

“Additionally, I have now adopted 60 underprivileged children and, starting from June, I have initiated free 365-day football coaching for them,” Navaz shared in detail.

“We are also thankful to all the staff at Chennaiyin FC, as well as the players and coaches, for their support and motivation throughout our journey,” he expressed.

Through their Chennaiyin FC journey, Sufi and Navaz show how football has the power to unite families and motivate individuals to contribute to their communities, reflecting the sport’s incredible capacity for bringing people together and inspiring progress.