Former national-level player Brigadier Jitendra Singh Shekhawat has been elected unopposed as the President of the Bikaner Football Association, promising new momentum for the sport.
In the history of football, Bikaner's name has long been taken with respect. With the aim of carrying this glorious tradition forward, Brigadier Jitendra Singh Shekhawat has been unanimously elected as the unopposed President of the Bikaner Football Association (DFA).
This important decision was taken at the General Body and Executive Committee meeting of the Bikaner Football Association.
During this meeting, Rajasthan Football Association Secretary Dilip Singh was present as an observer.
He stated that the Rajasthan Football Association is actively working to promote football throughout the state.
Dilip Singh mentioned that players from Rajasthan have brought glory to the state with their remarkable performances at the national level.
He also added that football talent is rapidly emerging in rural areas as well.
Newly elected President Brigadier Jitendra Singh Shekhawat said that efforts will be made to expand better training and facilities for football in Bikaner.
He specifically assured the provision of necessary facilities to the MSR Football Academy.
Shekhawat also pledged to work towards providing better opportunities for the players.
The members present at the meeting expressed hope that Bikaner football will get new energy under the new leadership.
Brigadier Shekhawat has been a national-level player. His sporting skills and steely discipline set him apart from others.
Bikaner, which has given the country legendary players like former Indian football team captain and Arjuna awardee Magan Singh Rajvi and Chain Singh Rajvi, is also known today as “Mini Brazil”.
Notably, the outstanding performance of the Dhingsari girls' football team has brought Bikaner recognition at the international level.
The foundation of Brigadier Shekhawat's sporting skills was laid at Sainik School, Chittorgarh, where he received his schooling from class six to twelve.
Playing in the forward position, Jitendra Singh Shekhawat's sports career had a spectacular start.
In 1979, at Mayo College in Ajmer, he scored 8 goals to claim the title of highest scorer.
After that, he never looked back. In 1981, while in the ninth grade, he participated in the National Sub-Junior Championship in Madras (now Chennai).
His journey continued to reach new heights. He represented the Rajasthan team in the Junior Nationals in Pondicherry in 1982 and Goa in 1983.
His boots have graced fields across the country—be it the prestigious DCM Trophy, the Durand Cup, or Srinagar's Sheikh Abdullah Gold Cup.
In 1986, he showcased his talent in the Senior National (Santosh Trophy) in Bhilai.
Another historic moment in his career came in 1985 when he won the West Zone while playing for Rajasthan University in Ludhiana.
This victory was significant because Rajasthan had won this championship after 28 years by defeating Bombay University.
When Jitendra Singh Shekhawat donned the army uniform, the player within him remained.
In his very first year at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun, he became the best player and also the team captain.
During his time in the army, he showcased his talent not only in football but also in hockey and basketball.
The habit of striving on the football field proved very useful in his nearly 36-year unblemished career in the army.
His fighting spirit did not diminish even after being shot during encounters with terrorists.
For his indomitable courage and bravery, the nation honored him with the third-highest peacetime gallantry award, the 'Shaurya Chakra', and the 'Vishisht Seva Medal' (VSM).
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