TSP Player Profile: Varun Khilani

Varun is yet another young talent at TSP who is growing stronger with the club. Last season he was good to make it to the squad, and this season he has had starts and many more playing minutes, thanks to his persistent practice and training, Varun has improved his game. Though most of us feel he has potential to become a lot better. He is a good example of “he has grown, but could have done a lot more”

Though he is 10/10 on motivation and has strong intent to improve, his life situation is not letting him focus on football or training in general. He has very hectic work schedule. He works at Airport. Talking to Varun and listening to his work-talks I realize that the comfort and intuitive processes to make our customer experience wonderful for 24×7 at the airports is possible when the Varuns (or ground staff in general) do so much of work, and that too thanklessly

There have been times when he has reached home early morning and straightaway come for the practice sessions. But this is not sustainable of course. Sacrificing social life to have only work and football in life is possible for those who are elder than him. Because we have learnt to fine tune our ambitions and know the importance of doing fewer things. But Varun is still young to not accept that. Besides his work, and playing for TSP, Varun is also an aspiring musician. There are days, rather nights when he sits with his friends in Amara common areas, playing his guitar and singing some famous tunes. His gang is a crowd puller. He also keeps visiting music studios and working on his own songs (yes, his own tunes, and his own lyrics). He is talented for sure, but we all know it takes a lot more than just talent to make it big in that industry. I just love the fact that he is still chasing this boyhood dream of his.

About 2-3 years ago I remember Varun was into tourism too. Taking groups to holiday destinations for a memorable trip to the Himalayas (Like Kabir in the movie Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani). He did that for few years and now is working at the Airport. Its inspiring to see Varun taking such decisions and trying to live extra ordinary life. He doesn’t have to work so hard and for long hours. His Dad runs a successful business. Varun can choose to join him any day, but he is trying to make his own name or learn skills on his own terms.

And when someone is on such an extra ordinary journey and is focused on learning something new, its anything but easy. Failures at some milestone are bound to happen. This helps Varun understand himself better and also show him the devils he needs to fight to become Varun 2.0

If Varun learns to fight the distractions around him, if he learns to focus on the long term goals, and if he avoids usual pitfalls- he would be unstoppable.

We at TSP are incredibly proud to have Varun don our jersey. We cheer for his success, not just as a footballer, but also as a musician, a professional, and a devoted son. His extraordinary journey is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing him achieve great things in the years to come.