ISL 2023-24: I have had some tough moments but I call them the best days of my life – Sandesh Jhingan

FC Goa’s defender Sandesh Jhinghan admitted that his life has been filled with difficult and tough moments but he also feels he learned a lot from those times and it made him stronger. Jhingan’s football career has been full of ups and downs but he has embraced both periods with open arms.

The defender has all the experience under his belt and has played for teams like Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC and he is currently plying his trade for the Gaurs. The lanky center-back from Chandigarh has scored one goal in five matches of the ongoing ISL 2023-24 season.

“Everyone has tough moments where we feel the darkness or bad times,” he acknowledges while talking to FC Goa’s media team. “Life is too hard, life is too unfair, and everything seems very tough and very heavy. I’ve had many moments like that, but I always call them the best days of my life.” Jhingan attributes his resilience to these tough times. “Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Jhingan encouraged others to not throw in the towel when the going gets tough and to have faith in one’s god and family.

“Whatever life throws at you and how dark or tough it gets, believe in God, believe in your family, and work hard. Eventually, the good will always overcome the dark, and that’s the beauty of human life,”

As a professional footballer, Jhingan has spent most of his time away from family even during festivals like Diwali. Jhingan said the teammates are always his first family.

“I’ve been away from home since I became a professional at the age of 18, and almost 12 seasons in India. I think the majority of them, like 70% or 80%, I celebrated Diwali with my teammates—be it with Kerala Blasters, the national team, or now, for example, with FC Goa.”

“Most of the year, I’m going to spend with them, so they are actually my first family here. It’s beautiful how one sport brings everyone together and gives comfort to each other.”

FC Goa has made a rollicking start in the ongoing ISL 2023-24, winning four and drawing one out of the five matches they have played.