India footballer Kotal helping those in need realise their dreams

"I faced hardship during my childhood. I wish no one faces the same. That's the reason behind my tiny efforts to lend a hand towards them who need an extra bit of push. We were fortunate enough to get support from our seniors. If we don't give it back to those who need it, then honestly, we don't deserve to be here where we are today," Kotal narrated in a live session with AIFF TV.

The 26-year old endured the struggle and it helped him build himself block by block to wherever he's today. He recalled how his parents struggled during his childhood to make both ends meet.

"I didn't have boots, jerseys, balls. I had to look for others' help. But my parents used to bear the brunt and safeguard me always. It's like everything in football - and life. You need to look, you need to think, you need to move, you need to find space, you need to help others. It's very simple in the end," Kotal continued.

"Owing to my schedule and different commitments, I can hardly stay at home. But, whoever feels hungry, needs help, doesn't think twice to come to our home. My mom finds solace in feeding them. It's like our collective effort to give back to society. Our door stays open for 24 hours for anyone and everyone."

Kotal, who has already played 36 matches for India, has come up with a football academy, along with a few other current players. He fears malnutrition might dent our future generation, and that's the primary reason for him stressing on the importance of nutritious food besides proper training.

"I have seen boys not getting proper food pre, and post-training. Even after training, they take meagre rations which are not enough for a budding footballer. It is going to be our loss, Indian football's loss. Proper food besides training is the need of the hour for them. One day, when they mature enough, they'll handhold their juniors. This is a cyclic process to run the show seamlessly," Kotal stressed.

Meanwhile, he elaborated that his gymnasium also stays open for the people who wants to break an extra sweat to stay fitter. Even Kotal's parents don't think twice before letting them in to use it even when he's not around.

"During the lockdown, I could realise the utility of my personal gymnasium. But, probably it's the first instance when I used it for so many days at a stretch. Generally, the local boys who can't afford to pay the fees of a professional gym don't hesitate to use mine. It's not just mine, it's for everyone."

"It hardly matters whether I'm around or not. They come and use it. Since my U-19 days in Goa, I craved to have my own gymnasium. I feel I need to share it with them who also need it big time."