Som Kumar opens up on challenges faced while living overseas and adapting new lifestyle

This is the second part of the Som Kumar interview series.

Moving overseas to pursue one's dreams can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience. For 18-year-old Som Kumar, a talented Indian U-20 squad player currently representing NK Olimpija Ljubljana U19 in Slovenia, this journey has been marked by exceptional growth and success. In a candid podcast interview with Khelnow's 'Beyond the Scores,' Som Kumar sheds light on the challenges of living overseas and how he handles difficult situations while chasing his football dreams.

Navigating Homesickness: Missing the Comforts of Home

Leaving the comforts of home and familiar surroundings to immerse oneself in a new culture can be daunting. Som Kumar admits that being away from home is one of the most significant challenges he faces. He grew up in India, surrounded by his family and friends, but his passion for football led him to Europe. Despite the homesickness, Som Kumar believes that the key to overcoming this hurdle is maintaining a laser-like focus on his training and matches.

He says, "I don't think that any cons you could say with the training and with the games because, yes, it is mostly off the pitch, and I have a hard time staying away from home. I grew up in India, but as long as I have training and as long as I have matches, uh, that's where my focus is. I try not to think about missing home, missing family."

Adapting to New Cuisine: Embracing Flexibility

In his pursuit of excellence, Som Kumar faces the challenge of adapting to a new cuisine and lifestyle. However, he has found a silver lining in this aspect of his overseas journey. Food, which can be a major concern for many young athletes moving abroad, is not an issue for Som Kumar. He credits this to the exceptional support he receives from his trainer, whose wife is a nutritionist. With both his physical conditioning and dietary needs taken care of, Som Kumar feels grateful and blessed.

Coping with New Surroundings

He emphasises that he will not take this support for granted, recognising its significance in maintaining his peak performance on the field. He states, "Food is not too much of an issue for me. I'm quite flexible with that. I actually have a trainer that I'm working with for my strength and conditioning. His wife is also a nutritionist, so my food is taken care of and my physical condition is also taken care of. It is unbelievable; I'm fully blessed and grateful to have this, but at the same time, I'm not gonna take this for granted."

Handling difficult situations is a crucial skill, especially when living in a foreign country far from home. For Som Kumar, the football pitch serves as a sanctuary where he can focus all his energy and passion. The challenges that come with living overseas are no match for his determination to succeed. While he may be miles away from his loved ones, Som Kumar has found a way to channel his emotions and maintain his unwavering commitment to his footballing career.