Playing high pressure games in Europe helped during SAFF U-20 Championships, reveals Som Kumar

Som Kumar shares his experience of playing for the nation.

For young footballers, donning the national colors and representing their country is a dream come true. 18-year-old Som Kumar, the current Indian U-20 squad player and a member of NK Olimpija Ljubljana U-19 in Slovenia, has already achieved this dream across various age groups.

In a candid podcast interview (Beyond the Scores) with Khel Now, Som Kumar shared his remarkable journey of representing India and the invaluable experiences he gained along the way.

Early Beginnings and State Championship Success

Som Kumar's journey toward the national team began at the tender age of 13 when he played for esteemed clubs such as Bengaluru FC U-13, Boca Juniors U-13, and the Byfl Academy. Alongside his club endeavors, he also participated in the state championship with Karnataka, showcasing his talent and passion for the sport. His exceptional performances caught the attention of the selectors, and at the age of 14, he received the opportunity of a lifetime - a trial call-up for the U-17 national team.

The Dream of Wearing National Colors

Reflecting on that memorable moment, Som Kumar shared, "It was a great experience; I mean everyone dreams to play for the national colors. So when I got the call-up, it was just a trial that they were asking for, a two-week camp. I was 14 at that time. I used to play with guys a lot older than me, and I had no expectations to get into the team. I was just trying to gain experience with good coaches in India."

However, Som Kumar's talent and dedication were evident during the camp, and he earned a spot in the final team led by coach Bibiano Fernandes. The team's main goal was to compete in the AFC U-17 Championship. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted their plans, and the AFC tournament matches had to be cancelled.

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Despite this setback, Som Kumar remained optimistic about the team's potential. He expressed, "It was really unfortunate that we couldn't play the AFC tournament matches because of Covid, but I think that team would have done well."

The Triumph in SAFF U-20 Championship

Som Kumar's journey didn't stop there. His hard work and performances in Slovenia earned him a call-up to the Indian U-19 team. He proudly represented India in the SAFF U-20 Championship, a crucial competition for young footballers in South Asia. India emerged victorious in the championship, and Som Kumar's outstanding goalkeeping skills earned him the accolade of the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Dealing with Pressure and Building Confidence

The experience of playing for the U-19 team brought a new level of confidence to Som Kumar. He had already gained substantial experience playing over 26 official matches and around 20 friendlies, including matches against formidable opponents like Croatia.

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This exposure to high-pressure situations proved to be invaluable as he stepped onto the field to represent the national team. Speaking about his experience in the SAFF U-20 Championship, Som Kumar shared, "Dealing with the pressure in that tournament happened naturally to me because I'd already been playing games under pressure for the U-17 team over here," he concluded.