The Varsity Cricket, Field Hockey, Volley Ball and not least Soccer teams play a series of exhibition matches with the garrison sport teams. Soccer being the most popular game, its matches are the most well attended. The series are three matches, one each at their home fields and the third at the City Stadium.
I was well acquainted with the Varsity team and looked forward to admiring the handsome models of manhood from the Army teams. To a man they had a solid build, no fat and all rippling muscles, Brown agile bodies glistening with sweat, with lots of body hair. The Army Jawans (Young warriors) were mostly in their late twenties or older. And that took the edge off their appeal to the 18 year old, me.
Except this year their skipper was a baby-face young Apollo, built like triangle: wide shoulders, narrow waist with monumental thighs and a bubble butt. He was, I learned, an officer and the manager of the team. Also, he was the coach and a reserve player. On the playing field his station was walking/ running on the side, giving loud instructions.
After the match at the Army play ground, which was a draw, the second match was in the University stadium/ field. I was utterly disappointed not to see the dashing officer on the field, During recess I ventured to ask a jawan about their coach,
"Oh Captain Amin is here. But he is working today as the general's ADC," And sure enough, under the guest canopy there was the Apollo of my dreams, in crisp dress khakis with polished buttons; resplendent with the ADC's gold braid. The uniform enhanced his manly beauty.
After the match, again a draw, the guests were to have tea with players and University officials. I glided in as the hanger-ons like myself always gate crashed the lower tables. And I was no ordinary hanger-on, being an intimate of several players. also an accomplished debater and research paper writer. The general and his entourage walked towards the players table. For once I was caught where I did not belong. So I tried moving backwards and ran smack into the Captain. It was like being hit by the Great Wall of China. I stumbled and would have fallen to the ground, but for the strong arm of the captain, who held me upright.
"Ans what position do you play young man?" It was the general, asking me! All around me were the smirking soccer jocks, irate officials and bewildered guests.
"I'm the mascot, sir!" I heard myself say. The general laughed and moved on. The captain, though, lingered and shook my hand.
"See you at the stadium. Be my guest" He continued a few steps behind the general. "I'll have a pass for 'mascot' at the gate."