Ben Johnson arrives with his proteges for trials

The controversial Canadian sprinter has been in Goa for the past two days with two of his NRI students.

New Delhi: Legendary sprinter Carl Lewis came to India in his prime to participate in a Permit Meet in New Delhi during late 80`s and now it`s the turn of his once bitter adversary Ben Johnson to step into Indian soil, albeit as a coach.

The controversial Canadian sprinter who was stripped off his 100m gold medal during Seoul Olympics has been in Goa for the past two days with two of his NRI students -- the Tumbar brothers --- 18-year old Gurveer and his 17-year old brother Karamveer. The two brothers will be appearing for trials at reigning I-League champions Salgaocar. "Yes, I have heard that two boys who are students of Ben Johnson have come for trials. I am yet to meet them. The boys will attend their first trial session tomorrow with the rest of the squad. I will also meet Mr Johnson tomorrow," Salgaocar coach Karim Bencharifa said.However Bencharifa was categorical in stating that he has no information about the two boys and would only take a call after the trials are over. "I have no idea about the quality of these two boys. I will only have a fair idea after I watch them at training," Bencharifa said. Both Gurveer and Karamveer are strikers. Incidentally, 49-year-old Johnson has taken up coaching and has been their strength and stamina conditioning coach at the Turner Fenton Secondary School in Ontario, Canada. Incidentally, Gurveer`s facebook page shows that his favourite footballer is none other than Lionel Messi.It has been learnt that Tumbar brothers possess a lot of speed but it`s there to be seen whether they are skillful enough to be roped in by a professional club at the moment. PTI