My goal is to play for the Indian national team – Nikhil Barla

Jamshedpur FC winger Nikhil Barla harbors the goal of playing for the Indian national team. The 21-year-old played 19 matches for the Red Miners in the previous season of the Indian Super League and provided three assists.

Barla made his ISL debut against Odisha FC in the 2022-23 season’s final league match but impressed one and all with his skills in the previous season.

Barla clocked 954 minutes in the last edition of the ISL and he would look to replicate the good show in the next season.

“It has been a great experience playing in the ISL, and I would like to thank Jamshedpur FC and the coach for giving me the opportunity,” Barla said in an interview with indiansuperleague.com.

“I have gained a lot of confidence playing in the ISL, and I want to achieve even more this season,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC finished the Indian Super League 2023-24 season in 11th place in the standings with five wins in 22 games and Barla said they will be determined to come up with an improved show.

“I’m a local boy from Jamshedpur FC, and we will try to get results and make the fans happy this season,” Barla stated.

The youngster added he wants to improve his performance in the upcoming season.

“I was in the Tata Football Academy for four years. Back then, we used to play practice matches against ISL teams, which boosted our motivation and helped us grow as a player. Now that I’m playing in the ISL, it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“I want to do well this season and improve further in the seasons to come. My goal is to play for the Indian national team,” Barla commented.

Jamshedpur FC will kick off their ISL 2024-25 campaign against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on 17th September.