At 25, Gaurav Bora is already a seasoned professional with seven years of football experience. His journey began at 18, transitioning from a residential academy to the demanding world of top-tier football in India. Starting in the I-League, Gaurav quickly advanced to the Indian Super League (ISL), where he’s been competing for the last five years.

In an exciting episode of Sporting Spree: The Enjogo Podcast, Gaurav joined Enjogo founder and CEO, Kishore Taid, to reflect on his journey. He opened up about the challenges and triumphs of competing in the ISL, overcoming a period of self-doubt, and the immense honor of being called up to the Indian National Team camp. Gaurav takes us through his journey, opens up about his relentless passion and drive for football, and how he powers to success even when the stakes are high and the challenges try to knock him down.

How does he do it? Well, let’s find out!

Facing Early Adversity

“When I first went to Chennai City on loan from Pune City, everything was difficult,” Gaurav recalls. The move was a significant shift for the young player, who found himself in the southernmost part of the country, grappling with language barriers and the stark difference in the level of play. “I was in an academy setup where we were all kids…then all of a sudden you go and you have like all the senior players, and the mindset and the level of the football is very different over there.”

His firstHe recalls his first taste of I-League action as being a rough one. Substituted after just 45 minutes, Gaurav was crushed. “I called my mom and I was crying the whole night because I thought my footballing journey was over…I thought I wouldn’t be able to play again.” But instead of letting that setback define him, Gaurav learned to push through the adversity.

As Gaurav settled into the professional world, he faced the reality of football’s unforgiving nature. “The margin for error is very less because you have to perform every single day,” he says. The transition was tough, with Gaurav frequently questioning whether he belonged in such a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Yet, with the support of his coach and his parents, he learned to navigate these challenges. “I didn’t play that many games over there the first season, but it really shaped me,” he reflects.

Overcoming External Pressure

Looking back, Gaurav’s advice to his younger self is clear: “Just shut down the outside voices…just focus on yourself, just focus on your work and just keep working hard.” He emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, noting how crucial it is to have someone who can offer emotional support during tough times.

The breakthrough moment in Gaurav’s career came in a dramatic season with Chennai City FC. In a must-win final match, his team was down 1-0 at halftime. “Everyone was crying because we lost only two games that season and it was like almost like everything is coming apart.” But Gaurav stepped up, scoring two goals from corners within minutes, sealing a 3-1 victory and helping Chennai City clinch the I-League title. “I was 19 back then,” he says, reflecting on the enormity of the achievement.

Despite this success, Gaurav’s journey in the ISL has been a rollercoaster. Moving from Odisha FC to NorthEast United, he’s experienced both ends of the spectrum: initially being benched before proving himself, and later starting strong only to lose favour as the season progressed. His biggest lesson? “To not give up on yourself, to not be underconfident.”

The Importance of Physical and Mental Health

Off the field, Gaurav stresses the importance of maintaining physical and mental health, along with having the right support system. As a senior player at NorthEast United, he’s taken on the role of mentor, guiding younger teammates through the emotional turbulence that can accompany the sport. “I try to boost up their confidence because I know how they might feel and how it can destroy them inside,” he reflects, drawing on his own experiences of overcoming self-doubt to support others. 

He also offers cautionary advice to young players about hiring agents too early. “Your main agents will be your parents at the end of the day,” he advises, stressing that a good agent should be more than just a professional representative—they should be a friend and a well-wisher with a long-term vision for the player’s career.

In the world of professional football, talent can only take you so far. It’s the discipline, mental toughness, and unrelenting dedication to the finer details that truly separate the great from the good.

The Power of Sleep

Sleep is the most important thing to you,” Gaurav asserts, emphasizing the foundation of his routine. Eight hours a night is non-negotiable, a ritual that’s as essential to his game as his boots. It’s not just about rest—it’s about recovery, allowing his body the chance to heal and prepare for the demands of the pitch. Whether in the throes of a grueling season or during the off-season, Gaurav’s commitment to sleep remains steadfast, a silent testament to his understanding of what it takes to maintain peak performance.

Nutrition: A Calculated Diet

But sleep is just one piece of the puzzle. Gaurav’s diet is equally calculated, guided by a nutritionist who tailors his meals to meet the specific needs of his training and match days. “Gym is like eating and drinking,” he says, equating his workouts to basic necessities. Even when the season winds down, Gaurav’s discipline doesn’t falter. He allows himself the occasional indulgence but never without balancing it out with extra work in the gym. This balance is key—it’s a system that keeps him in top shape, even when the stakes aren’t as high. Gaurav also emphasizes on staying hydrated. “I keep a bottle of water with me at all times”.

“Small things are going to make a big difference in life,” he notes, understanding that it’s the accumulation of these small habits that determine ones success.

Eyes on The Prize

Gaurav’s approach to mental wellness is methodical. Before a big game, he visualises success, replaying positive moments from training to build confidence. “If you can picture it in your head, that’s how it’s going to be in the game,” he believes, underscoring the power of visualisation. But when the inevitable happens—like conceding a goal—Gaurav’s mindset shifts to resilience. “What’s done is done… it’s better to move forward and have a positive mindset,” he says, demonstrating the mental agility that allows him to quickly recover and refocus. You should be the comfort place for that person,” Gaurav advises, emphasizing the role of family and friends in providing the emotional stability that athletes need. His own mother played a crucial role in lifting his spirits during tough times, reinforcing the idea that behind every great athlete is a support system that keeps them grounded and motivated.

The Importance of a Support System

This ability to bounce back is supported by a strong network of family and friends. For Gaurav, this circle is invaluable, especially in the high-pressure world of professional sports. He recounts a story from a cricket podcast where an athlete, after a tough game, was comforted by messages from loved ones that simply said, “We all love you. You are the best.” It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, having a strong support system is just as important as physical training.

Preparing for the Upcoming Season

As Gaurav gears up for the upcoming season, his focus is clear. “At the professional level, you need to be at your best when you are going into the pre-season… so that the coach notices you,” he says, fully aware of the competitive nature of his sport. With his unwavering discipline, mental resilience, and the support of those around him, Gaurav Bora is not just preparing for another season—he’s setting the stage for greatness. 

In a game where every second counts, it’s the minutes and hours spent off the pitch that truly define a player. Gaurav’s story is a testament to the power of discipline, mental fortitude, and the importance of a strong support system. As he continues to make his mark on Indian football, one thing is clear: Gaurav Bora isn’t just playing the game—he’s mastering it.

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