Kolkata, March 17, dreams come true, perhaps more often on screen. However, real life is more of a series of dreams, each designed to take the protagonist to a better place over time.
For midfielder Ritwik Kumar Das, who was called back to Kolkata for the senior men’s national football training camp after almost a year, it was one dream after another. question as he struggles to shape his career in Indian football.
“Being selected for the national team is a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted two things since I was a kid – to play professional football and to play for the national team,” Ritwik told the-aiff.com. “It was a great experience to have the opportunity to play for the country on an international platform.”
The 26-year-old was called up to the national team training camp last year ahead of the Blue Tigers’ friendly against Jordan in Doha, Qatar. However, Das was injured afterward, so he had to return after a brief stint in training camp. This time around, however, the midfielder was eager to take the chance.
“Last year I got my first chance with the national team but I had to go back due to injury. Since then, last season I have been trying to get myself back into the Indian team,” Das said. “I didn’t make my debut last time, but this time I’m eager to get my first chance. Hopefully I’ll get my chance.”
A standout in Indian football, Das played for Kolkata Customs and Kalighat Milan Sangha in the Kolkata Football League before being snapped up by Real Kashmir in the I-League.
At this time, a tragedy happened to the Das family. Ritvik’s father died of illness in 2020. This is the moment when Ritvik found catharsis in football.
“His last day was particularly difficult for me, but I decided to give my all to his memory,” recalls Das. “He always motivates me to keep working hard and get better every day.”
It was after the realization of this moment that Das shot to the top of Indian football, first with the Kerala Shockwaves and then with Jamshedpur FC.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I was called up to the national team for the first time last year just because of what I did in Jamshedpur and I just want to keep improving from there.”
–IANS
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