In a remarkable journey that began with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, Rahul KP has not only traversed the corridors of junior international football but has also etched his name in the senior echelons of Indian football. As a vital cog in the current Senior Indian Men’s National Team, Rahul KP reflects on his journey, the thrill of donning the national colors, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
The Senior Indian Men’s National Team boasts a youthful vigor, with an average age of around 26. Among the talented players in the current squad at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Rahul KP stands out as one of the three who had earlier represented India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. The transition from junior to senior football has been a profound experience for him, marked by growth, challenges, and the thrill of representing the nation on a grander stage.
“The Asian Cup is a similar experience to that of the U-17 World Cup in India. But this is at a much higher level,” Rahul KP explains. “It’s really nice, and they pay attention to so many details, which are also aimed at ensuring our safety. It’s really special to see and experience all this.”
Having shared the field with teammates during the U-17 World Cup, Rahul KP reminisces about the bonds formed and the invaluable lessons imbibed. “The World Cup experience was also special, and I am really thankful to the Federation for it. We stayed together as a troop and played for a long time, and learned so many things,” he expresses. “I still get goosebumps when I think of those times.”
Despite his extensive junior international experience, Rahul had to bide his time for his senior national team debut, which came in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, against Singapore in 2022. However, it was at the Asian Games last year that he truly etched his name into Indian football history, with a memorable goal against hosts China that still sends shivers down his spine.
“That was a magical moment for me. It still gives me butterflies in my stomach. I was playing with a lot of rage that day, and I used that to my advantage. We went on to lose that game 1-5, but that was a special goal for me,” Rahul recalls.
Making it to the final 26 for the AFC Asian Cup has been a crowning achievement for the 23-year-old, who pinches himself at the realization of this dream. “I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it, but they are what keep me alive. To break through to this team, and to learn from the seniors like Chhetri bhai, Gurpreet, Sandesh Jhingan, Brandon Fernandes and the others, is really special for me,” he says.
Rahul emphasizes the challenges that come with being a part of the senior team, highlighting the constant need for self-improvement and discipline. “When you’re in the junior team, you’re always trying to get to the senior side. But once you’re in the senior team, you are tested every day. You have to always be on your toes to prove yourself and stay disciplined,” he notes. “There’s always focus on the details, and you’re always pushing the limits you knew yesterday, and forging new boundaries for yourself.”
As Rahul KP continues to thrive on the ‘butterflies in the stomach’ moments, Indian football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his journey, as he continues to break barriers and carve a niche for himself in the senior ranks of the national team.