Guwahati
On March 8, the NorthEast United FC (Football Club) squad was training one last time before their match against Punjab FC. Everything was going fine for the team till a phone in the hand of a training team staff member buzzed.
It was a call for Asheer Akhtar, a professional player from Maharashtra, who was playing for the NorthEast United FC.
Asheer Akhtar with John Abraham, owner of the Super Legaue Franchise of NorthEast United FC
The team's Head Coach, Juan Pedro Benali, instantly knew what the call was about.
He was aware of the expected delivery of Aseer’s pregnant wife. The phone call meant that Asheer would no longer be on the flight to Delhi with the team for the next day’s match.
Benali hugged Asheer and said, "Asheer, offer a prayer with us, and then go."
It was a call from Asheer’s family to inform him that his wife was headed to the delivery room in a hospital.
Within a few minutes, Asheer departed for the hospital. A few hours later, the good news of Aseer and his wife welcoming their second son into their family reached the team.
Asheer's family was celebrating, while at the other end, the team management had sprung into action. The team manager was checking every possible flight bound for Delhi. The reason was Asheer making it clear that he did not want to miss the match.
As both the mother and the child were doing fine, a few hours later, Asheer was on a flight to Delhi, where he joined his team.
Asheer Akhtar with teammates
Beaming with joy, Asheer said, "I am overjoyed at the arrival of my son. My first son now has a little brother."
He further added, "My wife always stands by me. This time, too, she told me that I should rejoin the team following the birth of our son. This made my decision-making much easier. As the team captain, I knew that my 'second family' was waiting for me."
On Monday, Asheer was part of the starting lineup against Punjab FC. When NorthEast United FC scored their opening goal, the scorer, Parthib Gogoi, dedicated it to Asheer's newborn son. ‘
It was an emotional moment for everyone present and showed the bond among players.
Asheer Akhtar (Second from left) with teammates
Asheer said, "This gesture by Parthib and the team was truly lovely. The arrival of our son will give us even greater motivation to secure our first victory of the season."
This Sunday, NorthEast United will play at the home ground against Jamshedpur FC.
As always, Asheer will be with the team. Asheer's family resides in Guwahati, and all the members come to see all his matches.
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However, there will be a slight change this time. Only Asheer's father will be seen in the stands.
His mother, wife, and elder son will stay home to look after the newest member of the family, cheering Aseer on from the television.
