Football

ISSO

I have played in ISSO (International Schools Sports Organisation) tournaments, where 40+ teams compete, at the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 levels. I captained the Under-17 and Under-19 teams. Looking back, I agree with my coach that I was not ready to captain in my Under-14 days. I was selfish and cared more about my own goals than the team’s performance.

We won the Under-17 championship in 2021-22 and the Under-19 championship in 2024-25. The Under-19 title did not come on the first attempt. We reviewed our notes after the first season and improved in the second. In every other year, we were eliminated in the knockouts.

SGFI Nationals

In 2025, I captained my team at the SGFI National Games, playing against the strongest states in India, including West Bengal, Gujarat and Karnataka. We beat Karnataka Under-19 3-1. I did not score, assist or deliver a standout performance, but it is a game I will never forget.

I reminded my team every five minutes that this was our chance to beat a heavyweight and that we would remember the game for the rest of our lives. I have never been more motivated or vocal on a pitch.

AIU

I took part in AIU in January 2026, where we were eliminated in the knockouts.

Mahindra University Cup

We won the Mahindra University Championship in 2026, playing teams including BITS Pilani and Mahindra University.

Flame University

I played in the 2026 Flame University Championship, where we were eliminated in the knockouts.

As captain

As captain, I focused on what mattered most for the team. At every tournament, I insisted that we travel together, eat well and avoid risky activities outside football. This improved team harmony and helped us build connections beyond the game. I stayed back with the coaches after practice to discuss team dynamics and how to approach each challenge.

I also worked on a weakness: I used to speak to my players only on the pitch or just before a game. Over time, I became more social off the pitch. The part I found most stressful was being the point of contact for teammates’ parents while still a teenager myself.

The hardest moment

My hardest moment was conflict within the team. Players competed over goals, not openly, but we could sense it, and disagreements outside football were hurting the dressing room. I spoke to each player individually to understand their perspectives. In the end, I told the team plainly that issues outside football could not be allowed to get in the way of our efforts.

They were not big enough to stop us from winning titles, and that would have been a sad reason to fall short.