I participated in the ISSO National Games held in Jaipur this year as the goalkeeper of our U-19 boys’ football team, consisting of 16 players. It was an exciting yet demanding experience, where every match tested our physical stamina and mental strength. Although we were eliminated in the quarterfinals, the tournament served as a valuable opportunity to perform at a national level, work closely with my teammates, and grow both individually and collectively.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Through my participation in the ISSO National Games as a goalkeeper, I was able to clearly identify my personal strengths and areas for improvement. One of my key strengths was my ability to stay calm under pressure, especially during high-intensity moments such as one-on-one situations and set pieces. I also recognized my strength in communication, as organizing the defense and guiding teammates was essential throughout the matches. However, the tournament also highlighted areas for growth, such as improving my distribution accuracy and quicker decision-making when playing out from the back. Recognizing these areas has motivated me to focus on targeted training to further develop my skills and become a more reliable and confident goalkeeper.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Competing in the ISSO National Games as a goalkeeper was both physically and mentally challenging. Playing in high pressure matches required constant alertness, quick reflexes, and strong decision-making. I had to communicate continuously with my defenders, organize the backline, and remain composed even in intense situations. These challenges pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me develop better communication, game awareness, and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
Preparing for the ISSO National Games required weeks of consistent effort, including fitness training, practice matches, and early morning sessions. Despite physical fatigue, minor injuries, and academic responsibilities, I remained fully committed to training and supporting my team. Even after our quarterfinal loss, I stayed motivated and focused on reflecting upon our performance and personal growth. This experience taught me that perseverance means staying dedicated, learning from setbacks, and continuing to strive for improvement.

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and benefits of working collaboratively
Football is a team sport, and this became especially clear during the ISSO National Games. As a goalkeeper, collaboration was essential, I relied on constant communication and trust with my defenders to maintain team structure and confidence. By encouraging teammates, sharing feedback, and learning from mistakes together, we strengthened our coordination on the field. This experience deepened my appreciation for teamwork and showed me how effective collaboration can help a team perform under pressure and work toward a common goal.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
Participating in a national-level tournament helped me understand the importance of ethical decision-making in sport. As a goalkeeper, my actions directly influenced the morale and discipline of the team, making it essential to play fairly and responsibly. I made conscious choices to respect referees’ decisions, uphold sportsmanship, and encourage teammates to remain disciplined even during tense moments. I also considered the ethical responsibility of prioritizing team safety, such as avoiding reckless challenges and maintaining fair play. This experience reinforced the idea that integrity, respect, and accountability are just as important as performance and results in competitive sports.