Q.  Tell us about your journey in sports and how you became part of the SAFF Futsal Championship team

Thank you for having me. I am from Kharu village in Ladakh. I completed my schooling at Druk Padma Karpo School, Leh. For higher education, I studied at Fergusson College, Pune, and later graduated from Spicer Adventist University.

My interest in sports developed at a young age, largely because of my brother, who inspired me to pursue athletics. I was introduced to futsal while studying in Pune. Since childhood, I have actively participated in local football tournaments and represented Leh in various district-level competitions, where our team won several championships.

Recognizing my passion and potential, my coach and Mam Angmo recommended me to represent Ladakh. In November 2025, trials for the SAFF Futsal Championship were conducted, with around 100 participants competing for selection. Out of them, 25 athletes were shortlisted. After undergoing intensive training camps and coaching sessions, 14 players were finally selected to represent the team at the SAFF Futsal Championship.

Q. Could you share your SAFF Futsal Championship journey?

The preparation for the SAFF Futsal Championship began in November 2025. After months of rigorous training and preparation, we participated in the championship held in Thailand in January 2026. The tournament featured seven teams from different countries across South Asia.

It was a memorable experience competing at the international level. Bangladesh emerged as the champions, while India finished as the runners-up. Our Indian squad consisted of 14 players from different parts of the country, including Gujarat, Pune, Tamil Nadu, Kolkata, and Manipur. I had the honour of leading the team as its captain throughout the tournament.

Representing India on such a prestigious platform and captaining the national team was a proud moment in my sporting journey and an experience that taught me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.

Q. What is the difference between futsal and football?

The main difference between futsal and football is the playing surface and the size of the ground. A futsal court is much smaller than a football field, which makes the game faster and more intense.

In football, stamina, endurance, and overall fitness are extremely important because of the larger playing area. While these qualities are also important in futsal, the game places greater emphasis on speed, technical skills, quick decision-making, and close ball control.

Another key difference is substitutions. In football, substitutions are limited, whereas futsal allows rolling substitutions, enabling players to enter and leave the court multiple times during a match.

Football is generally played on grass or artificial turf, while futsal is played on a hard indoor surface, often a wooden court. Because of the hard surface and fast pace of the game, the risk of certain injuries can be higher.

Overall, futsal is a highly technical and skill-oriented sport where quick thinking, agility, and ball-handling abilities play a crucial role in a player's success.

Q. You have played in several national championships. Could you tell us about your experience and your future plans?

I have represented my region in several national-level tournaments. I played in the Under-14 Sub-Junior National Championship for Jammu & Kashmir in Odisha and the Under-17 Junior National Championship for Ladakh in Assam. In addition, I have represented the Ladakh team in four Senior National Championships. These tournaments provided me with valuable exposure, helped me improve my skills, and allowed me to compete against some of the best players from across the country.

Looking ahead, my priority is to continue playing and developing my career in either futsal or football. I am training hard and constantly working on improving my fitness, skills, and overall performance so that I am prepared for future championships and opportunities.

At present, I have not made a final decision on whether to focus entirely on futsal or football. I enjoy both sports and remain open to pursuing either path.

One of the biggest advantages of playing futsal is that it enhances speed, agility, close ball control, and quick decision-making, all of which are equally valuable in football. In many ways, the skills developed in futsal complement and strengthen my performance on the football field. For now, I am committed to improving in both sports and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Q. How do you view the interest and support for sports promotion and development in Ladakh?

In my case, my family has been extremely supportive of my sporting journey. They have always encouraged me and stood by my decisions, even when pursuing football was not considered a conventional career path. I believe that the confidence and strength with which I compete today are largely because of their unwavering support and belief in me.

At the same time, I have witnessed significant growth in the sports sector in Ladakh. There was a time when opportunities were limited, with very few tournaments and championships available to motivate players or help them develop their talents. However, the situation is changing rapidly. Today, athletes from Ladakh are participating and excelling at district, state, national, and even international levels across various sports.

The increasing number of tournaments, training camps, and competitive platforms is helping young athletes gain exposure and improve their skills. More importantly, there is a growing interest in sports among children and youth. Parents are also becoming more supportive and are encouraging their children to pursue sports alongside academics. This positive shift is playing a crucial role in the overall promotion and development of sports in Ladakh.

Q. Could you share your views on the potential of futsal and the challenges in promoting the sport further?

I believe futsal has tremendous potential in Ladakh. Ladakhi children naturally possess good technical skills, agility, and creativity, which are important qualities for success in futsal. This gives them a strong foundation to excel in the sport if they are provided with the right opportunities and guidance.
One of the main challenges is the lack of dedicated futsal clubs, tournaments, and regular competitive platforms. To promote the sport further, there is a need to establish more futsal clubs and organize tournaments at different levels. Such initiatives will encourage more children and young players to participate and develop their skills.

The more opportunities young athletes receive, the greater their interest and growth in the sport. With proper infrastructure, coaching, and regular competitions, futsal can become a popular and successful sport in Ladakh, helping many talented players showcase their abilities at the national and international levels.

Q. Today, many young people are getting involved in drugs. What is your opinion, and how can sports help combat this issue?

From my personal experience, athletes and people actively involved in sports and fitness tend to be very conscious about their health and well-being. They understand what is beneficial for their body and what can harm their performance. Since they are focused on achieving their goals and improving their game, they are aware that substance abuse can negatively affect their fitness, performance, and future career prospects.

Sports not only keep young people physically active but also instill discipline, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. Regular training, competitions, and teamwork help individuals stay focused and motivated, leaving less room for negative influences.

I believe sports can play a significant role in combating drug abuse by providing youth with a positive environment, healthy habits, and clear goals to work towards. When young people are engaged in meaningful activities and have the right guidance, they are more likely to make informed choices and avoid harmful substances. Therefore, encouraging greater participation in sports is an important step in building a healthier and more responsible generation.

Message to the readers
My message to the youth is to believe in yourself, work hard, and stay disciplined. Success comes through dedication and consistency. I encourage everyone to participate in sports, stay active, and make positive choices in life. With determination and the support of your family, you can achieve your goals and make your community proud.