Exclusive: My happiest moment was when I scored against Argentina– Deepak Tangri

The 19-year-old made his professional debut for Indian Arrows in November 2017 against Minerva Punjab.

6th August 2018 is a historic day in Indian football. Years from now, if India ever become a footballing powerhouse, that day will be seen as a special moment – when 10-men India sensationally beat six-time U-20 World Cup champions Argentina in the COTIF Cup in Spain. The victory made headlines, but that day was a turning point for Deepak Tangri, who gave the Blue Colts a perfect start, as he scored a headed goal from a corner.

Khel Now had the opportunity to catch up with the Mohun Bagan youth product for a candid chat about his career, Indian football and much more.

Hailing from the town of Bilga (Punjab), the 19-year-old recalled his early memories of playing football. "I played football during my school days and I was good at it. So, I was spotted by a zonal coach. He came to me and showed a lot of confidence in my abilities. During those days, I got the chance to join the Chandigarh Football Academy and that’s where it all changed for me."

In 2014, the defender joined the prestigious Mohun Bagan Academy, where he was placed under the tutelage of academy coach and former player Jo Paul Ancheri. When asked about his coach's influence Deepak said, "I always had the wish to play in Kolkata and coach Jo Paul sir encouraged me a lot. I am thankful to him because he never ceased to believe in me."

While honing his skills in the academy, the youngster learned about the Kolkata Derby and what it meant to the fans and players there. He quipped, "The Kolkata Derby is one of the games, as a player you must play once in your career. The atmosphere is crazy. Weeks before the match, one can feel the adrenaline and as a player we just cannot wait to get on the field. You feel different, more stronger, faster and energetic I really wish to play in the Kolkata Derby for the senior team one day."

In November 2017, it was announced that the youngster would play for Indian Arrows in the I-League. He made his professional debut in a competitive fixture against Minerva Punjab. In total, he made 12 appearances for the Arrows and is also functioning as a key player for the Indian U-20 national team. According to him, under Luis Norton de Matos he learned about discipline and the nitty-gritty parts of the game. 

As a young boy, trying to make his path towards footballing stardom, Tangri believes family values play a big part. When questioned about his motto in life he said, "Nothing worth having comes easy, so we should work hard to achieve it!  That’s my motto in life."

Deepak's impressive passing and ability to pick out players makes him one of the brightest young prospects in India right now. Having experienced a lot of exciting moments in his career he stated that scoring against Argentina has been the best so far. "I think my happiest moment was when I scored for my country in Spain against Argentina."

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When questioned about the footballer he was inspired by while growing up the Arrows defender said, "I was a big fan of Anas Edathodika bhai right from my childhood. I grew up watching him."

The Indian U-20 national team has been on the rise for the past few months. When asked about what he feels is the key to their success Deepak said, "We’ve got a great bunch of players, who are all doing well for Indian Arrows. Quality in the side is being shown when we play against opponents."

Elaborating further on what he realistically expects from the national side in the upcoming Europe tour he said, "As a team, the main aim going into any competition is to give the best account of ourselves. We did well against Venezuela and Argentina, in Spain. Argentina have been a good side and they are COTIF Cup champions. As of now, we are all charged up and confident."

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Tangri's partnership with Sahil Panwar was an important factor in India's win against Argentina. On being asked whom he trusts the most in front of goal while representing his nation he stated, "Sahil bhai has played at the top level for few years and to play alongside him is a great learning experience."

On being asked where he see his team in the future he said, "We have been together for quite some time and we are like a family. This team is ready to give everything on the field and we all support each other, on and off the field."