The first Meet & Greet session conducted during 7th India Rush SC Champions League 18/19 had a very special guest Tarun Ludhwani. He is one of the Elite players produced by India Rush Soccer Club and is currently playing in Portugal for Atletico Clube Porto Salvo Senior team. The Meet and Greet session goal is an interactive session for the players and parents with Sports related personalities.
Tarun started his journey in his brother Monish’s shadow at India Rush SC. Over the years Tarun developed into a determined player and decide to peruse his dream to be a pro player at a young age of 16. India Rush SC Elite player development was a perfect program for Tarun to train in the USA and now in Portugal.
(Read about our Elite Player Development in Portugal and upcoming International Camp)
The season started on a high note towards becoming a professional football player. In two weeks of the league start, he had the breakthrough under the new coach and started playing regular football for straight 7 games scoring 1 that made him the first ever Indian footballer to score in the league.
Tarun is currently in India and was excited to be at the event, recalling his participation in the initial edition of the league and the role it played in developing his game. He said, "Compared to when I was of their age these kids have a stronger foundation and are better technically. With their true potential, right guidance and development of the right mindset it will surely help them grow as a professional football player".
Sharing his experience with the players, Tarun explained the mental and physical preparation both on and off the field he had to undergo for two months during the pre-season for the Portugal Liga Club trials; it shows his dedication towards his footballing career. Tarun emphasized the hard work and tenacity required for it where he quotes that "talent on the football pitch won't take you far if you don't prepare yourself for success off the pitch".
On injury in football, Tarun shared his view "With all the preparation sometimes things might not go your way and that is fine. Your reaction to the setback matters a lot. You’ve got to come back stronger and accept that injuries are a part of football but working harder helps reduce the chances of you getting injured. If you’re mentally strong, you will go a long way and that is exactly what I'm going to do when I return to play is, GO A LONG WAY".
During his stay in India, Tarun has decided to help the Club players and also learn to coach at Rush, it is his way of giving back, to see these kids grow into good players. The Club wishes him all the very best and we will be back with another Sporting personality during the league.