Young Indian Footballers Draw Inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo
Rahan Ahmed's Admiration for Ronaldo
Youngsters in a football field
Guwahati, June 25: For Rahan Ahmed, a forward for the India Under-17 team, Cristiano Ronaldo represents more than just a football icon; he is a source of inspiration.
The young player from Sivasagar admires Ronaldo's exceptional fitness and discipline, which he maintains even at 41 years old, qualities that every aspiring footballer should aspire to emulate.
“I hope to follow in his footsteps as a player,” Rahan expressed after witnessing Ronaldo score twice in a match against Uzbekistan. Although he also looks up to Erling Haaland, Ronaldo remains his primary role model.
Rahan's sentiments resonate with many young athletes in Assam and beyond. While debates about the superiority of Lionel Messi versus Ronaldo continue, aspiring players often share a different viewpoint.
For numerous young footballers, the allure of Ronaldo transcends mere statistics, accolades, and records; it is deeply rooted in his life story.
Fans appreciate Messi for his artistic flair and effortless brilliance, while Ronaldo is often viewed as a symbol of unwavering dedication, discipline, and self-betterment.
Many young players feel they may lack Messi’s innate talent, but they believe they can emulate Ronaldo's work ethic, fitness, and determination.
Ashish Chetry, recently invited to the India Under-20 national team camp, finds motivation in Ronaldo. The 17-year-old from Udalguri often watches Ronaldo's videos before games and turns to them for encouragement during tough times.
“Ronaldo inspires me with his relentless spirit. It pushes me to improve and give my all,” Ashish remarked.
Divia Tanti, a defender from Betkuchi High School in Guwahati, which won the Subroto Cup last year, also draws strength from Ronaldo’s journey.
“I admire Ronaldo for overcoming numerous challenges to achieve global stardom. His story inspires us,” said Divia, who is from Paneri in Udalguri district.
Sports mental conditioning coach and NLP psychotherapist Tribenee Bhattacharyya emphasizes the significant impact role models can have on young athletes.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a figure many young athletes look up to. His work ethic, discipline, and the lifestyle he portrays on social media captivate the youth,” she noted.
“Ronaldo's rise from humble beginnings resonates with many underprivileged children, inspiring them to believe that hard work can lead to success,” she added.
Tribenee also highlighted the importance of role models in shaping an athlete's character, mindset, and emotional strength, while cautioning against mere imitation.
“Every athlete's journey is distinct. Young players should take inspiration from their idols but focus on developing their own unique identity,” she advised.
As the FIFA World Cup stirs excitement, with Messi currently leading in goals and Ronaldo still a top contender, discussions about these two football legends have reignited.
For many fans, Messi epitomizes skill, creativity, and humility.
“Messi is a true superstar. Despite his achievements, he remains grounded and lets his performance speak for itself,” remarked sports administrator Kaustab Chakraborty.