Amarjit Singh Kiyam, a name synonymous with promise in Indian football, has navigated a challenging journey. Once a beacon of hope at the Chandigarh Football Academy and captain of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 team, Amarjit became the first player born after the 2000s to represent India’s senior national team. However, a hand fracture in 2019, just before the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, sidelined him and ultimately led to his exclusion from the squad.
Now, at 23, Amarjit is determined to rewrite his story. He acknowledges the pressure that weighed heavily on him early in his career, impacting his performance. “There were lots of expectations of me from the fans when I was very young. So, whenever I went to matches, I used to feel that pressure to do well,” Amarjit shared in an exclusive interview with Sportstar. “(I used to think) If I don’t get a chance to play, then I will not get (to play in) the next match. That’s why I feel that I didn’t play freely.”
Injuries have further tested Amarjit’s resolve. He’s played for four ISL clubs – Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Punjab FC, and Mohammedan Sporting – accumulating 47 appearances in the league. The setbacks, however, have taken a toll on his mental game. “Injury, well, is part of sports(person’s) life. You get injured and you come back stronger. For me, my graph was going up and suddenly, it started going down. So, I felt very nervous when(ever) I got a chance to play,” he confessed.
However, Amarjit finds solace in the words of his former coach, Nicolai Adam, who instilled a simple yet powerful message: “You are just amazing. Don’t worry about the outcomes, just keep it simple. Just play simple. Don’t expect too much. Just go the way you are going, the simple way.” This guidance has helped him prioritize his mental well-being, learning to perform under pressure.
The fruits of his labor are evident in his current form. Amarjit has been a cornerstone for Mohammedan Sporting, starting every ISL match this season. He was instrumental in their historic first-ever ISL win against Chennaiyin FC, a moment he describes as crucial for the team. “The coach (Andrey Chernyshov) has given me a chance and I have tried to give my best to help the team. In the first two matches, we came close but we didn’t get it unluckily,” he said. “The match against Chennaiyin was a very important win for us because we desperately needed the three points.”
His focus remains unwavering as Mohammedan Sporting faces Mohun Bagan on Saturday, a clash brimming with historic significance. Amarjit is ready to lead the midfield as the Black Panthers aim for a victory in their home city. But his ambitions reach beyond the ISL.
The once-promising youngster is driven by a desire to reclaim his national team spot and play for Asian clubs outside India. “Obviously, I want to play abroad in the Asian Leagues. There are good leagues in Asia. So, if I get a chance here, obviously I want to go and explore,” he states confidently.
He understands that achieving this goal requires continued success. “If you are doing well in the league, you will get chances to play in the same team. So, if you are in the number one (team) in India then you will get the opportunity (to play for clubs outside the country),” he adds. “So, first of all, the players should be very good then (comes) the agent. If you get a good and supportive agent, I think you will get a chance.”
Amarjit’s journey, from a starry-eyed 10-year-old to a seasoned footballer, has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. But with his renewed focus on mental strength and his stellar performances for Mohammedan Sporting, he is poised to rewrite his narrative, aiming for redemption, international glory, and a future playing on the biggest stages of Asian football.
