Zenit fans abroad: Harkiran Singh Chima, editor of Zenit India

Our Zenit fan abroad interview this week is with Harkiran Singh Chima, the editor of our new Zenit India site. A blue-white-sky blue fan from Bhopal, India, he's now studying in New York, USA. 

Hello Harkiran, you’re the editor of our new Zenit India page, tell us a little about yourself, what do you do? What are your hobbies?

Hello, I’m a lawyer and did my undergrad from India. I’m currently pursuing dual masters in Columbia University, New York – MS in Sports Management and Masters in Global Sports law. Being a sportsman and a sports lover (I own 23 football jerseys) in my high school and university, I wanted to integrate my passion and my professional interest, therefore, I chose to get involved in the sports business. India and Russia have strong ties on almost every front including defence, and are called all-weather friends. I belong to an army family back in India and my family regiment was responsible to visit Russia and sign the t-90 tank deal back in the day. I’ve been hearing stories about my uncles visiting St Petersburg and other parts of Russia since childhood and have been made to think on the lines of ‘Hindi-Rusi bhai bhai’ (Indians and Russians are brothers). That’s why the opportunity of working with Zenit makes me feel ecstatic.

My hobbies are working out, singing, reading and most importantly eating (a lot).

How did you first get interested in Zenit?

Being a football fan since childhood, I’ve been watching the European football for a very long time so I’ve known Russian football for a while now. The first time I got interested in Zenit properly was around 9 years ago when they defeated Man United, a club I’ve been interested in for a very long time, in the Super Cup.

Who’s your all-time favourite Zenit player? Who do you like in the current squad and why?

Andriy Arshavin is a player that I’ve always admired and I think he epitomizes Zenit in every way possible.
In the present squad I’d have to pick our most recent signing – Branislav Ivanovic, a legend of the modern game.

What’s your best Zenit memory?

As stated above, the one thing I vividly remember about Zenit is the Super Cup win and that has to be one of the standout memories. I really enjoyed the 4-1 Cup final win in Kazan when we destroyed CSKA Moscow too, that was amazing!

What are you hoping for us this season?

I’m hoping that Zenit wins the Russian league and I was hoping for at least the semi-final of the Europa league. I do think it’ll be tough to catch Spartak, they’ve looked good so far this season and I like their manager, but with our new winter signings we look strong, I think eventually, Ivanovic will be a great addition in the centre of defence and shore up our back four.  I’m also excited to see Mollo in attack, that game he played for Krylia Sovietov against Spartak recently was Amazing

Which areas of the squad would you like to see Zenit strengthen in? Who realistically should we be looking at signing?

I think Zenit should strengthen in the midfield by signing someone like Thiago Maia or Davy Proper. I still think it's imperative to get a replacement for Witsel.
I’d also like to see an injection of pace on the wings with someone like Zakaria Bakkali. In the future Zenit should also start scouting players in India and look at players like Jeje Lalpekhlua,  Lalrindka Ralte and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (who plays in the Tippeligaen)

What’s your home town like? How would you describe this city for your fellow fans? What’s the local football like?

I’m from Bhopal, India and presently reside in New York. Both the cities offer a stark contrast. Bhopal is a salubrious, laid back & homely city whereas New York offers run-of-the-mill hustle bustle with unperturbed activity.
India has a HUGE number of football fans who have pledged their allegiances to different clubs.  It would be safe to say that an ardent Indian football fans doesn’t miss a single game even if it is Champions League which is shown at 1AM in the morning. In India you’d find children playing football in any place possible. I certainly believe it is a market which should be explored and nurtured.

The USA on the contrary is a very matured sports market and soccer (as they call it) is slowly making its way into the American household as it is now the most played sport in the under-10 categories.

If Zenit fans plan to visit your part of the world what place is a must-see and what food should they try?

GOAAAAAA! There’s been a long-established Russian presence in Goa and Zenit should definitely visit Goa for its amazing food and impressive football culture. India is such a diverse country with food and cultures changing after every 50kms. The places I’d suggest (except Goa) would be Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Kerela.
Food – Tandoori Chicken, Shami Kabab, Butter Chicken, Band Kebab etc.
Beverage – Bhopali Cutting Chai

Do you know any other Zenit fans where you live or are you the only one?

I know a few people from my hometown who have been interested in Zenit and would love if Zenit increases its presence in India. In New York there’s a sizeable Russian population with many Zenit fans.

Do you have a message for the manager, The team and all the Zenit fans out there?

I’d like to wish the manager and the team all the very best for the season, we’ve had some set-backs with CSKA and Anderlecht recently but the league title is still available! Come on Zenit! Or as we say in India – ‘chak de phatte’!

Be sure to check out our Zenit India page and follow Harkiran on Twitter.