Try to learn from every situation, good or bad: Aakash Sangwan after maiden India call-up

Indian defender Aakash Sangwan said he tries to learn from every situation, whether it is good or bad. The 28-year-old from Bhiwani, earned his maiden call-up from head coach Manuel Marquez for the International friendly against Vietnam, which ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sangwan has been a consistent performer in the Indian Super League (ISL) since the 2022-23 season after he joined Chennaiyin FC from Punjab FC. He has scored twice and has further assisted six goals in 37 ISL appearances.

Sangwan had also impressed Marquez when he played for FC Goa under his tutelage. The defender admitted he wasn’t expecting his call-up from the Spaniard.

“Well, someone sent me a congratulatory text and I couldn’t make out what the wish was for. Then when I went online I saw the list of probables and realised why I got the text. It was a surprising as well as a joyous moment,” he told AIFF Media. 

“The first call-up to the national team is always special as everyone desires to play for India at least once in their lives. So, it means a lot,” added Sangwan. 

The youngster said he tried to play in every possible match when he was trying to rise through the ranks.

“Until 16 years of age, I played in every open tournament possible in Haryana. Then my family shifted to Panchkula and I started training at the Sector 17 Ground in Chandigarh. For the next few years, I played inter-university tournaments and the Santosh Trophy,” he said. 

“I believe it’s the constant learning and growing day by day that helped me gain these recent step-ups in my career. I will keep trying to do what I have always done – and that is giving my best and learning from every situation, whether good or bad,” he added. 

Sangwan also lauded Manuel Marquez for clear communication with the players.

“One thing I can say about the coaching staff is that they are honest and direct people. Good or bad, they will tell you directly to your face. Coach Manolo’s relationship with me is just as good as he has with every other player in the national team and FC Goa,” he concluded.