TSP Player Profile: Ritesh Khandagale

Ritesh is yet another promising young talent at TSP, rising and making a mark in football. Known for his deceptive physical appearance that belies his prowess on the field. At just 18 years old, he is currently pursuing a BSc in Chemistry in his first year of college. Despite his youthful and innocent demeanor, Ritesh transforms into a formidable force on the left wing, reminiscent of Bruce Banner turning into the Hulk, as he dismantles the opposition's defense with ease.

His exceptional first touch and ability to maneuver the ball precisely, even while sprinting, make him a standout player in the TSP team. Ritesh excels at creating goal-scoring opportunities through seamless 1-2 plays with midfielders like Nirbhay and Omi, and even our striker Utkarsh.

Ritesh's journey in football began when his grandmother encouraged him to play, and watching others on the field inspired him to make it his favorite sport. He has since honed his skills, drawing inspiration from football legends Messi and Ronaldo.

His playing experience is impressive, having participated in the Youth Premier League under the MFA during the 2018-19 season, representing Maharashtra at the nationals in 2019-20, and competing in the MFA Super Division in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Currently, he is playing in the 2023-24 season under the Thane Football Association (TFA).

One of Ritesh's cherished memories is from a college match where his team, considered the weakest, emerged as runners-up, a testament to his fighting spirit and determination. He prepares for matches by maintaining a clear mind and engaging in rigorous physical training. Ritesh's greatest strength on the field is his relentless fighting spirit, persisting until the final whistle. His personal and team goals for the season include winning the championship and learning as much as possible from every experience.

Ritesh is also a quick learner with diverse interests, including drawing and cooking. He aspires to achieve the highest degrees, become a successful footballer, and read extensively. If he could have any superpower on the pitch, it would be accelerated speed (more than what he is blessed with) and limitless stamina. Regarding the future of football in India, Ritesh believes that the sport needs more popularity and support within the country. He advocates for a structured approach to improve infrastructure and systems, hoping for a significant breakthrough in Indian football in the next 10-12 years.

Wonderful reinforcement in Div1 TSP squad, and hoping Ritesh too grows into a even stronger player and takes TSP to heights we plan to achieve.