If there has to be a renaissance in Indian football, the unearthing and nourishing of grassroots talents is always the key and the stories of Shadhil EK and Ayush Sihag is a step in that direction.
Shadhil impressed in the Dream Sports Championship that concluded recently where he represented Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC). The young lad slammed two goals in the first match after playing 84 minutes and was also awarded the Man-of-the-Match award.
The 15-year-old Shadhil’s journey with the ‘Beautiful Game’ started when he was about three years old. Hailing from Kerala, his natural talent and passion for the sport led him to train at a local football academy.
This is where he honed his skills before earning a place at Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC). Prior to joining RFYC, he studied in a CBSE school, but he now balances his football training with academics through the RF School of Excellence’s 10th NIOS program.
A disciplined and hardworking student-athlete, Shadhil excels both on and off the pitch. His dedication to academics matches his commitment to football, showcasing an impressive ability to balance both. He comes from a diverse family with his siblings pursuing different career pathways—his sister is pursuing Chartered Accountancy, and his brother works as a cinema editor.
Interestingly, if not for football, Shadhil’s backup plan would be a career in cooking, one of his favorite hobbies.
Ayush Sihag |
Ayush Sihag from RFYC is another example. He played a total of 75 minutes, scoring a goal in the second game. Hailing from a family of legal professionals, Ayush carved his own path in football, starting at the age of five. His early years were shaped by school football, where he played under the guidance of his PE teacher. He participated in the State Level during his schooling. His talent caught the attention of top academies, leading him to train at Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) in Chandigarh from ages 7 to 9 before moving to RoundGlass Punjab, where he represented his district until the age of 14.
Ayush joined RFYC in Grade 9 and is currently balancing his football training with his 10th standard board exams in the Reliance Foundation School CBSE stream. Despite his rigorous schedule, he remains focused and driven, qualities that have made him a standout in his age group both on and off the pitch.
Outside of football, Ayush enjoys swimming and has a love for food, often exploring different cuisines. His sister is a graphic designer based in Canada, while both his parents practice law. With his sharp footballing mind, versatility, and relentless work ethic, Ayush continues to grow into a formidable player with the potential to make a mark
