Karan, a former student of Dover Court International School and captain of the sports team, has started a new journey in Malaga, Spain as he pursues a professional sports career. In a recent interview, Karan shared insights into his sports journey from Dover Court to Malaga. He reflected on his path, starting from his early childhood, and emphasised how his commitment, resilience, and dedication, along with the right support, have brought him the opportunity to join the Malaga FC Football Academy. Karan also offered valuable advice to students aiming for success in sports and highlighted how representing Dover Court International School in various sports has provided him with invaluable team experiences.
Q. How long have you been playing football?
My parents tell me I've been involved in sports since I was 3, and I've always loved sports for many reasons. I enjoy expressing my competitiveness and striving to be the best in whatever I do, which has motivated me to become a well-rounded athlete. As a child, I have fond memories of trying out a different sport every day of the week until I was 10, with the purpose of eventually choosing my favourite sport, which turned out to be football.
Q. In which sports have you represented Dover Court International School?
Dover Court gave me the amazing opportunity to participate in many sports. I was fortunate to represent the football team since Year 6 and was assigned the role of captain for the basketball team since Year 6. Over the last two years, my close friends convinced me to take up contact rugby to "toughen me up for football." I was immensely proud to be appointed male captain of the team of 25 (12 male and 13 female athletes) that travelled to Thailand for the multi-sport FOBISIA Games, which consisted of track and field, football, basketball, and swimming.
Q. Do you have any memories/memorable matches that you can share while representing Dover Court International School?
Being a part of a sports team with the friends I have made over the years is an amazing feeling. Every time we competed against other schools, whether it was on the football/rugby pitch, the basketball court, or even the post-match bus rides home, they all created lifelong memories. A few things that I will forever cherish include a comeback win in football, coming back from being down 0-2 at halftime against SAS to then winning 5-2 (Year 9); playing in the basketball team with the U16s at the age of 14 and the U19s at 15, with the highest scoring game of 28 points; winning MVP at the Sports Awards by scoring the most tries in my first season; winning breakthrough player at the Sports Awards in rugby; and the inspiring performances by everyone in the FOBISIA games team while in Thailand.
Q. Can you tell us about your journey and how you decided to become a professional football player?
My football journey has had its share of highs and lows. When I was with JSSL FC from ages 3 to 14, I faced challenges due to being smaller than the other players my age. Coaches initially believed I didn't have the required skills for the first division team and placed me in the 'B' team. Despite considering giving up, I was fortunate to have a supportive coach and teammates who instilled belief in me and boosted my confidence. Their support led to my selection for the first-division team, allowing me to compete in the PUMA Youth Champions League. After making that one change, my ambitions of one day having my family and friends watch me play with the best in Europe really opened up. So, I devoted my time to doing just that. I was signed to Balestier Khalsa FC’s U15 team in the Singapore Premier League. I mostly played as a fullback, and even though we finished mid-table, being exposed to scouts and professional coaches in Singapore helped me grow as a student-athlete. My coach always emphasised the importance of being a student first. Moving forward, I was promoted to the U17 team as a frequent starter despite being one of the youngest. This affirmed my belief in progressing to the next level and gave me a clear vision of what I could achieve in the future.
Q. How does it feel to be selected for the Malaga FC Football Academy?
Honestly, it’s surreal knowing that I will be playing the sport I love so much in one of the countries known for its high level of play. I'm very thankful to my parents for the effort they've put in, the money they've spent on equipment and overseas trips, and the countless hours they've spent driving me to training and games. This move means I'll be far from them, but I'll always remember everything they've done for me to have this opportunity. Their support is a major factor in motivating me to do my best as a footballer because I know they expect nothing less than the best from me.
Q. What would be your advice to other students who want to have a professional career in sports?
An inspirational quote that was said to me by a teammate and which I truly believe in is, “You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” This means that it is not what happens to you; it is how you react to what happens. Pursuing a professional sports career is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging. To all upcoming athletes, I will only echo what my coach used to say - one bad game, match, round, whatever your sport is, does not make someone a bad player. The only way to success is through failure in some way or another, and it's only those who persevere through the losses and criticism that, at the end of the day, thrive.
