Free kicks with Robin Singh

Hi, Robin, how does it feel to have made a name in football in this cricket-crazy country?

I still have a long way to go. Football has always been my love, but in general, I like challenging myself for various things in life. It’s been a wonderful journey so far! However, I still haven’t reached my full potential, and have a lot to accomplish.

Read FHM India in the digital libraryEvery issue, every shoot, on TCG Media.

How did you take up football as a career?

I had a choice between football and cricket when I was 15. I chose football as it was my passion and also runs in the family.

You have been serving Indian football for quite a long time now. How has the journey been?

I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, but you take the losses on your chin and improve.

This will be a fresh start after the injury. Are you up for the challenge again?

Yes, injury had me down for quite some time. I was resting all this while and that has been a boon for me. I am feeling rejuvenated now and am actually looking forward to the upcoming season. It will be nice if we can get to a winning start.

How did you spend your time during the injury?

I focused on eating right and training just enough to stay in shape. I am eager to come back stronger to play for my team and my country.

What does your daily training regime look like?

My training regime is different each day. One day could be the whole team working on agility and speed, the next day could be working on power and shooting drills. We always go in for training looking to better ourselves with the help of the coaches.

How do you see yourself progressing with FC Goa this season?

FC Goa is a new chapter for me and I am only looking forward to working hard with my teammates and aiming at winning the ISL title.

With the ISL doing fairly well, where do you see Indian football in the next five years?

I see Indian football only growing in the years to come. The Indian Super League has helped put Indian talent and Indian football on the world stage.

Do you think India will ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup?

I live by the motto that nothing is impossible. We, as players and as a nation, put a lot of hard work into our profession, and when the time is right we will be known for football as well.

Are Indian players capable of playing in the more demanding EPL or the La Liga?

Yes, over the last few years the physical attributes of the Indian football team have improved and will keep improving in the coming years. I believe that we, of course, can play in the EPL or any other league.

Are you a typical Delhi boy full of anger and abuses?

I channel my anger in the right way. I think anger and abuses don’t get you far. But respect and honesty does.

As a child, did you always want to be a footballer?

Football runs in my family, so the choice was very easy. I was inspired by my grandfather, Ajit Singh. He was a professional footballer in the 1950s, and later became an administrator. He was the one who worked on my skills and instilled discipline in me.

What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done as a child?

I have a lot of fun stories. One of them being, my neighbourhood aunty running after me and confiscating my football in the funniest and most embarrassing manner you can imagine.

Do you like bikes and cars? Do you own any such machine?

Yes, I do like bikes and cars! As of now, my focus is on working hard and becoming the best striker in the country and captaining the nation. But I will have my collection soon.

A footballer’s career is not very long. Where do we see Robin Singh after 10 years?

Captaining the nation, god blessedly! And doing everything possible to put the country on the map of football.

From the September 2016 issue of FHM India.