Rohit Kumar: A Midfielder’s Tale of Grit and Growth

The life of a professional footballer may seem like a whirlwind of adrenaline-fueled matches and cheering fans, but behind all the fame and glamour lies a world of intense discipline, emotional resilience, and mental strength. Rohit Kumar, India international and ISL star, offers a rare glimpse into the often unseen side of his profession. From coping with the pressures of injury to balancing personal well-being with the demands of the sport, his journey is a testament to the dedication and grit it takes to not just survive—but thrive—in the world of professional football.

Embracing Responsibility and Discipline

Currently playing as a midfielder for the Indian Super League club Odisha FC, Rohit shares his take on success in football: “It isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline. Becoming an independent, professional player, means that you have to take care of everything you do.” This involves managing sleep schedules, reducing screen time before bed, and maintaining a balanced diet. “If you’re sleeping late and not eating well, it will affect your performance,” he warns.

This level of discipline isn’t reserved just for match days—it’s woven into the everyday routine of young athletes at residential football academies across India, where young athletes are molded into future stars by emphasizing routine and self-control.

Coping with Injuries: A Mental and Physical Battle

Dealing with injuries is one of the toughest aspects of being a professional athlete. And Rohit knows this challenge all too well. “When my time had come, I got injured, and I lost all the games I wanted to play,” he recalls. What many see as a physical setback is also a mental endurance test. The daily grind of rehabilitation, combined with the frustration of watching from the sidelines, takes a toll.

“It can get boring,” Rohit admits, acknowledging how easily the mind can falter during recovery. But it’s in these moments that the real fight begins—against doubt, impatience, and the temptation to give up. Every day is an emotional tug-of-war between hope and frustration, requiring mental strength to keep pushing forward.

Mental Well-being Off the Field: Finding Happiness

While the physical demands of football are well-known, the importance of mental well-being is often overlooked. “The most important thing is to stay happy off the field. That plays a major role,” Rohit shares, highlighting a key element of his approach to life as a footballer. The demands of professional football are relentless, and staying mentally positive helps him handle the pressure and maintain performance.

The emotional intensity of his profession makes it crucial to find moments of calm and joy away from the game. Spending time with his dog, playing video games, and listening to music aren’t just hobbies—they’re coping mechanisms that allow him to recharge mentally. These small but significant breaks provide the balance needed to maintain both his emotional health and athletic performance.

The Emotional Sacrifices of Professional Life

Being a footballer means spending a significant amount of time away from loved ones, a reality that weighs heavily on many athletes. For Rohit, the hardest part isn’t the training or the travel—it’s the distance from family. “You miss the support of loved ones during tough times,” he shares. While video calls and messages help bridge the distance, they can’t replace the warmth of family in difficult moments. The emotional sacrifice of missing birthdays, celebrations, and even moments of comfort during personal lows is a heavy burden that every footballer must bear.

But that’s the life athletes choose—the sacrifices, the distance, the constant push for excellence. For Rohit, it’s a part of the commitment he willingly embraces. He’s learned to channel that sacrifice into fuel, drawing strength from the separation and using it as motivation to give his all on the field, making his family proud in the process.

Words of Wisdom

Through every challenge and every high, Rohit’s approach remains simple yet profound: “Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy.” Passion, for him, is the fuel that keeps him going, no matter the setbacks. His advice to young athletes? Focus on finding joy in the journey, even when the road seems tough.

For young players aspiring to walk the path Rohit has taken, enrolling in football schools or training at residential football academies in India is the first step to building the same level of discipline, dedication, and emotional resilience that define Rohit’s career.