From an unexpected turn on an academy pitch to lifting trophies on Goan turf, Abhimanyu Singh’s journey is stitched together by grit, patience, and game-changing saves. The 24-year-old goalkeeper from Bharatpur, Rajasthan is now a two-time Goa Professional League (GPL) champion with Sporting Clube de Goa, after a moment of volunteering at a local tournament unexpectedly set his career in motion.
“I was 15, playing for Delhi United. We didn’t have a goalkeeper for a local tournament, so I volunteered,” he recalls. “We ended up winning, and I was named Best Goalkeeper. And I trained to be a keeper ever since,”
It was an unexpected beginning, but it launched Singh’s path forward. Now two seasons into his stint with Sporting Clube de Goa and I-League 2, Abhimanyu’s growth as a keeper and a professional has been nothing short of inspiring.
A Keeper’s Climb
Abhimanyu came to Sporting on trial in August 2023. “Within two days, they told me I’d be signed,” he says. He didn’t disappoint. In his debut season, he helped Sporting clinch the GPL title and was named the league’s Best Goalkeeper. It didn’t take long for Sporting Clube de Goa’s coach Climax Lawrence to call him back for a second season, and Abhimanyu delivered again.
“We won the Charity Cup, the GPL again, and finished third in I-League 2. It’s been good — I’ve improved with the game time I got in these two seasons.”
He remembers coming on as a substitute in the SESA Charity Cup final, saving a crucial penalty to secure the win and a defining moment of belief and momentum. His recent I-League 2 campaign was a test of resilience. After a mistake in the opening game led to a goal, he bounced back to register eight clean sheets in 13 appearances that was the most in the league.
Calm in the Chaos
Pressure is part of the job, but Singh has found his way to cope.
“I used to get nervous before, but now I’m calmer with every match. I still feel the nerves sometimes so deep breathing helps.”
The mental game, he says, is tied closely to team form and opposition. Physically, it’s about discipline and guided by his physiotherapist Diksha and trainer Manish. “What you eat, how you sleep, how you train and all of that matters if you want to make it professionally,” he advises young players.
Between the Posts and Beyond
Singh’s footballing journey has taken him far beyond Indian borders. He’s played in Spain’s Liga Preferente and Poland’s 4 Liga, even featuring in the Polish Domestic Cup quarter-finals — experiences that enriched his game and global outlook. But home remains the I-League 2, where he’s grown from a reserve player to first-choice shot-stopper.
“In my first season, I had to be patient. In the second, I was the first choice and got better with every game.”
And while he continues to admire Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson’s style of play, Abhimanyu is carving out a name of his own in Indian football.
Rising Through the Ranks
Winning the GPL title again in May 2025 marked back-to-back league triumphs — a validation of all the hours put into training and staying ready.
“It felt really good winning two titles in two years. That consistency is what every player aims for.” he says.
