Boris Singh Thangjam's Journey from U17 World Cup to Senior National Team
Boris Singh Thangjam's National Team Debut
Pathum Thani, Thailand - On May 31, Boris Singh Thangjam, who represented India at the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017, has set his sights on wearing the national team jersey again, this time for the senior squad, as reported by the AIFF.
His aspiration became a reality on March 19 when he debuted against the Maldives, followed by a full 90-minute performance in the Asian Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh just six days later.
"Wearing the national team jersey for the first time at the senior level filled me with pride and a sense of achievement. I am thankful to the coach for placing his trust in me. I always strive to give my best for my country whenever I get the chance," Boris Singh Thangjam expressed, as quoted by AIFF.
Currently, Boris is part of the Blue Tigers squad preparing for a FIFA friendly in Thailand and the Asian Cup Qualifier in Hong Kong, with the team aiming for two victories.
The Blue Tigers have been training in Pathum Thani since May 29, completing two rigorous training sessions. The weather conditions are reminiscent of Kolkata, characterized by high humidity and occasional rain.
May has been a remarkable month for Boris, as he played a crucial role in FC Goa's triumph at the Kalinga Super Cup, followed by another call-up to the national team. He believes that winning breeds more victories and hopes to carry this momentum into India's upcoming crucial matches.
"The Super Cup victory was essential for both the club and me personally. Ending the season on a high note was significant, and it has motivated me in the national team camp," Boris stated.
Boris's journey serves as a testament to the progress made by players born in 2000 and 2001, many of whom participated in the FIFA U17 World Cup and later joined the Indian Arrows project.
Transitioning from junior international football to the senior level is a challenging feat. However, nine players from the historic U17 squad have successfully represented India at the senior level.
Boris reflected on the significance of the World Cup experience and his two seasons with Indian Arrows during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 I-League.
"The entire experience was extraordinary. Preparing for the World Cup and participating in it was surreal. I feel lucky to have represented our country on such a grand stage. Although the outcomes weren't as we hoped, I believe we gave our all, and I aspire for our nation to compete in a senior World Cup one day," he remarked.
"As a young player, having proper guidance is crucial, along with mastering the fundamentals of the game. I learned a lot from my coaches and teammates at Indian Arrows, which provided me with the necessary game time and led to my signing with ISL clubs," Boris added.
Born in Manipur, Boris has played for ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan, clinched the League Shield with Jamshedpur FC, and has been with FC Goa for the past two seasons. Initially starting as a right-winger, he has adapted to the right-back position, where he feels most comfortable now.
Despite the change in position, Boris continues to find the back of the net, scoring at least a couple of goals each season in his professional career. He enjoys finishing crosses from the back post and believes that full-backs must be versatile players.
"I strive to enhance all aspects of my game. In modern football, it's essential to refine every skill. The full-back position is highly competitive, so I work hard to stay at the top of my game, drawing from my experiences with national teams and various clubs," he concluded.