With BOSM 2023 just a few days away, the BOSM English Press interviewed Avichal Khandelwal, Captain of the Boys’ Football Team. 

The team practices six times per week, from Tuesday to Sunday. Each session lasts two hours and is conducted in the evenings. Avichal stated that the players’ technical abilities have significantly improved due to the rigorous training regimen.

Reflecting on the team’s recent achievements, Avichal mentioned that they won the sports tournament at IIT Bombay, with him receiving the Best Goalkeeper award. In the previous edition of BOSM, the team advanced to the semi-finals, marking a notable accomplishment. This year, he hoped to reach the finals and win the trophy. The addition of twelve recruits from the batch of 2023 has bolstered the team’s strength. However, the team faced some challenges, such as inventory issues and limited medical support from the institute. Avichal stressed the importance of improving medical assistance, especially in emergencies where quick response times are critical.

Regarding competition at BOSM 2023, Avichal highlighted Sri Venkateswara College and Shri Ram College of Commerce—both in Delhi—as significant rivals. In addition, IIT Kharagpur, whom they defeated in the IIT Bombay tournament, is a potential opponent. Although the list of participating colleges has yet to be confirmed, he anticipated the participation of multiple formidable opponents.

Avichal’s journey in football has been marked by dedication and success. Since age ten, he has competed at the national level, winning tournaments and receiving accolades for being the “Best Goalkeeper”. When asked about the team’s performance, he remained cautiously optimistic about this BOSM, recognizing the need to train the first-year players in a limited amount of time. Nevertheless, he believed this year’s team could aim higher due to enhanced coaching and technical growth. Being the captain has been a rewarding experience for him. He enjoyed training with the team and appreciated the players’ positive attitudes.

In closing, Avichal advised fellow BITSians to pursue their dreams and aspirations diligently. He stressed the significance of setting ambitious goals and not underestimating one’s abilities.