Abhay Mankoti started his journey of football from his boarding school (Sherwood College). As kids, everyone looked up to the players in the College football team and everyone wanted to be a part of it…..Everyone! Luckily, he got the chance to debut for the school team in class 9 and till then it was not only about him making the squad of the college team but it was just pure love with football. He captained his team in school and won a number of tournaments here and there all around India (Mayo Ajmer, Lawerence School Sanawar and etc). He also played for my state during school.
After school, he got into SRCC( Sri Ram College of Commerce) through football quota. That was a big achievement for him as SRCC is not an easy college to crack. There were thousands of great players around India who came for trials to this prestigious college, but eventually, he made it among two more people. Later on, he went to represent Uttarakhand in Santosh Trophy. Last season he signed a contract with Whittlesea United (1st division) club in Melbourne, Australia. But due to Coronavirus, there have been a lot of complications. Recently, he had signed a contract with a 2nd division club in Australia called Epping City FC.
In a conversation with GOGO Magazine, here is what Aditya have to say.
1) How did your journey begin?
My journey began back in my school when I really wanted to make the School Football team just because it was a “cool thing” to be in the college team. But eventually, I fell in love with the game and it became a way of life.
2) Who has been your inspiration?
On the field, it has been Lionel Messi who is arguably the best player in the world whereas in life my inspiration has been my elder brother, who has inspired and pushed me since I was in school. He has been a role model for me throughout my life.
3) What all tournaments have you been a part of?
I have been a part of several tournaments. Some of them are:
- U-16 Nationals
- U-18 Nationals
- Santosh Trophy
- FFA Cup in Australia
- NPL 2
- Victoria football League
4) What is the most memorable tournament of your life?
Santosh trophy and FFA have been the most memorable tournament of my life.
5) What are your views on Ronaldo and Messi?
Cristiano Ronaldo is surely a machine and one of the most hardworking athlete but Messi is just pure genius and my favourite.
6) What do you have to say about football at International stage with closed doors?
Football’s been struggling during this time due to the pandemic. Players like me who’s contract states that the players get paid per match, it’s a struggle for us. But times are getting better. Our training has resumed with certain rules in place. Also, most of the leagues around the world are resuming so it’s a good news for everyone.
7) What are your views on growth of ISL?
ISL is growing continuously and same with its fans, who are the most important part of the game. It’s a great platform for young Indians to play and make a name for themselves.
8) Where do you see yourself after 10 years?
I want to be satisfied by what I have achieved in football and that is making it pro outside India.
9) How’s life in quarantine?
I have been continuously training and also working as Australia has kept the pandemic in check and everything has started to resume to normal. Hopefully, we can also be allowed to have showers after training in the club’s changing room.
Connect with Abhay Mankoti
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/abhaymankoti/
Checkout more such content at: https://gogomagazine.in/category/sports/
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I want to talk to him about his experience on insta but he didn’t reply till now .But i will wait😊