From playing in the streets of Nepal, Yash has now made a name for himself by showcasing his talents in the Pune and Mumbai leagues.

Born in Thane, Maharashtra, Yash Jhunjhunwala went back to his native place in Nepal, where he started his career with Merit Football Academy. This is where he built the foundation of his career under coach Sailesh Karmacharya. Returning to India, Yash started his schooling with Rishi Gurukulam in Pune. He chose this school specifically because football is a religious sport there. “My principal Pranita Kaulaskar Ma’am, Director Manoj Lekhi Ji, and the entire school have supported me in every possible way, and I’m grateful for that.”

Yash impressed everyone at the school level, before stepping up for the bigger challenges. He started playing in the Pune league with Gunners FC in the A division. After 3 seasons in Pune, Yash shifted his base to Mumbai in search of better opportunities and tougher competition. In Mumbai, Yash received an offer to play for Mumbai Elite Division club Sellebrity FC. When asked about the difference he felt in the two divisions, “Mumbai league is very professional, tough and competitive whereas Pune league is still developing” 

Yash has a strong self-belief. He mentioned that he doesn’t care what people think. He always believes that he is the best and that only he can motivate and encourage himself. That is why his style of playing is fascinating because he doesn’t follow or copy any particular player but plays his own game.

Talking about his duties as a fullback he said, “As a fullback, I need to attack and defend at the same time. But not at the cost of leaving the defense behind. So, I focus more on defense first, and to give 100% on the field. I try to improve my stamina and crossing abilities every day.“

Further speaking about his pre-game rituals, Yash added “Yes, I have some pre-game rituals. I thank god and pray to him to keep me and my opponents healthy. I also talk to my mom and my sister before every game, which gives me strength and calmness to perform and not be nervous.” 

If we look at the other aspects of Yash’s life, he is a competitor in everything. He manages to play football and also top in the examination in his college. “Yes, I topped my college in the arts section (Maharashtra board). All credit goes to my teachers in Pune International and Junior College, who helped me. Then the most important people in my life, my family who are my biggest motivation, especially my mom and my sister who have sacrificed a lot so that I could play football.”

While Yash strongly believes in self-motivation, he still idolizes his coach cum teammate, Aggi Picardo. “My idol is Aggi Piccardo, who is an excellent player as well as a mentor. He has played for big clubs like Dempo SC, Mahindra United, Air India, and also Junior India. Aggi sir is my teammate at Sellebrity FC in Mumbai elite division. He also coaches me in the CJ Academy in Borivali.” Yash credits Aggi Piccardo for his success and for trusting him, giving him a roadmap to play in the Mumbai Elite Division.

Yash Jhunjhunwala plans to move to Canada next year with his sister. He aims to sharpen his football skills and gain greater exposure. Then thereafter, he wishes to come back to India, play in ISL and represent the Indian national team one day!

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