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Young Vardhin Manoj has become the first Indian player to be offered a place on Harvard University’s Soccer team, even before he finishes school, according to a The Hindu report.
The sixteen-year-old, who is in 11th grade at La Costa Canyon School in California, grabbed the limelight with his incredible performance at the U.S. Western Region competition. Vardhin has been playing with the San Deigo Surf Academy under-16 team, for three years now, and is allegedly the top scorer for his team for consecutive seasons.
The young gun, who also trained with Manchester United development squad and was selected for the Olympic development Programme, told the Hindu that he wished to become a professional footballer and play in Europe. “I am also keen to play in the ISL if I get a chance,” said the avid follower of footballing legend Ronaldo in the interview.
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A Facebook photo of Vardhin Manoj playing soccer
While encouraging his dreams, Vardhin’s parents, who are IT professionals, have kept a sharp eye on his studies.“He looked very comfortable with the football when he first touched it. We have only encouraged but as he grew older I told him that his studies shouldn’t suffer because of his football. He is free to chase his dreams. I have given him all the support he needed,’’ said his father Manoj Prasad.
A panorama of Delhi shot from India Gate just after the rains. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(02 of09)
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This is the a picture of the central dome at the topmost point of India Gate itself, with a ladder leading upto the top. The pattern around it that almost resembles the sun's ray is actually rain water that has trickled in. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(03 of09)
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A glimpse of this heritage site with the entire shadow in the foreground. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(04 of09)
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A view of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the background from atop India Gate. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(05 of09)
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People, when shooting, are only able to capture one side of this massive arch. By placing my camera pointing upwards on the floor right next to the Amar Jawan Jyoti, I was able to capture the entire arch. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(06 of09)
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All these open spaces have arches which are reminiscent of the main arch itself. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(07 of09)
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The little mezzanine levels make for an interesting perspective when you look through them. In this case, it was the body of a guard, and this is how much I could see of him through the window. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(08 of09)
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A panorama of the little room that leads up to the top. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
(09 of09)
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Crowds mill around India Gate at all times. (credit:Aditya Kapoor)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.