Nirmal gets candid about his love for ink

The growing popularity of tattoos is showing on football pitches across the world. More than a fashion statement, a tattoo mirrors an individual's choices. David Beckham was arguably the first to set the trend for football players getting inked up. Danish defender Daniel Agger went a step further. His passion for ink is such that he has mastered the art of etching others.

The popularity of body art can also be seen in Indian football. McDowell Mohun Bagan defender Nirmal Chettri sports four tattoos himself and will be getting his fifth soon.

Nirmal's first tattoo was the religious symbol Om in which he says, "you can see the no. 3 (his current jersey number) there as well. I got it made in 2007 when I was in Mumbai." When asked what it stood for, Nirmal said "belief." His second tattoo was the Ardhanarishvara (Half Shiva and half Parvati) which signifies the power of the universe.


Nirmal got this tattoo made after the demise of his mother

When he decided to get inked next, he chose to tattoo Mother Teresa as a symbol of "love and peace." Nirmal's fourth tattoo, which he got made in Kolkata in 2011, is on a more personal note. He decided to do it after the demise of his mother to keep her along with him through good and bad times. Nirmal said the tattoo of his mother, on his forearm, helps him "find his way."

Four tattoos later, Nirmal still has the passion for ink and plans on getting his fifth by the end of the year. When asked what the tattoo would be, Nirmal said, "I'm planning to ink myself in Arabic this time."
So, the next time you're at a game, don't forget to steal a peek at Nirmal's body art!