At only 15 years old, Somaaya Mukundan has already had an illustrious football career. Appearing in India\u2019s national Under 14\u2019s national team and more recently as the leading goal scorer for the\u00a0Under 19s Futsal champions of India, Goa, the young striker has quickly become a must-watch player in the subcontinent\u2019s burgeoning domestic football scene.<\/p>\n
As part of their commitment to healthy living and youth development, Karma Group has undertaken to sponsor Somaaya in her quest for glory. Given the opportunity to speak with her between a busy school and practice schedule, we couldn\u2019t help but leap at the chance!<\/p>\n
So Somaaya, what got you into playing soccer\u2026 sorry, football?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c<\/em>I began playing football with some of the girls in school at the age of 10. I wasn’t so passionate about the game back then, I barely even watched football on television! I played all kinds of sport, football being one of them, and I just slowly began gaining interest in the game.<\/p>\n Was it just for fun or did you join a team? <\/em><\/p>\n I started playing for my school team, of which I was the captain for 3 years. I also joined a futsal academy around the same time, the Youth Futsal Academy, where I still train at along with several other kids of different age groups.<\/p>\n You seem to have a real passion for the game, why?<\/em><\/p>\n Football\u2019s just so fun and so unique. When I\u2019m on the pitch I\u2019m always having fun \u2013 it\u2019s a great feeling and one I cherish.<\/p>\n What does your training schedule look like week to week?<\/em><\/p>\n At the moment I\u2019m training three times a week for two hours a session. Sometimes on weekends I train on my own for a couple of hours \u2013 I need to keep my skills up!<\/p>\n You\u2019re a striker, why do you like playing that position most of all?<\/em><\/p>\n (Laughs) I love scoring goals! I\u2019m the competitive type, so it\u2019s simply the best position I could be in!<\/p>\n How did it feel to win India\u2019s Under 19\u2019s Futsal Championship? <\/em><\/p>\n That was the first tournament at national level that I had won. I was extremely overwhelmed, and getting the Best Player award of the tournament was a definite bonus, I wasn\u2019t expecting it.<\/p>\n What are your plans for the future?<\/em><\/p>\n For now, I have my sight set on the Under 16s and then maybe the Under 19s India team. I may also move to U.K. to pursue my football further \u2013 I\u2019m excited about the possibilities!<\/p>\n We\u2019ll bring you further updates on Somaaya\u2019s journey, watch this space!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n