Try GOLD - Free
Indian goalkeeper Karkera takes inspiration from the life of a 1971 war hero
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
|February 25, 2025
WHENEVER Suraj Karkera feels a little low, he turns to his book shelf for inspiration. He frequently reads biographies—‘Invictus: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation’ is a favourite—for motivation. One such autobiography moved him to such an extent he was compelled to meet and talk to the author, Ian Cardozo, a decorated Army Major who played a big role in the 1971 War against Pakistan.
This was around the time when Karkera had lost his place in the side. These days, Karkera is battling with Krishan Pathak to be the No. 1 custodian for the national team. A couple of years ago, when PR Sreejesh was the numero uno, Karkera, after making his senior debut in 2017, was out of the picture.
The life of a reserve goalkeeper can be a tough gig and Karkera knew he had to be patient, show some resilience. One day, he chanced upon ‘1971: Stories of Grit and Glory From the Indo-Pak War’. After reading it, he got in touch with Cardozo and requested a meeting.
This story is from the February 25, 2025 edition of The New Indian Express Nagapattinam.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
Delhi airport traffic in Apr-Oct falls 3.5% due to upgrade, airspace closure
GMR Airports Limited reported a 3.5% year-on-year decline in passenger traffic at its flagship Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for the first seven months of the current fiscal due to year runway upgrade and airspace closure, according to a mandatory filing with the stock exchanges.
1 min
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
V-P hails 'guardian of the public purse' on 5th Audit Diwas
VICE-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, CP Radhakrishnan, on Sunday hailed the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) as the \"guardian of the public purse,\" emphasising its crucial role in safeguarding public funds and promoting good governance.
1 min
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
'Our mission is to develop well-rounded leaders, not just skilled managers'
IIM Shillong Director-in-Charge Prof Nalini Prava Tripathy reflects on the institute’s approach to learning, outreach, and regional engagement
3 mins
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
Door-delivery of rations: Staff bear the brunt as transport cost exceeds allocation
RATION shop supervisors are frowning at the allocation of expenses by the cooperative department to distribute rations to beneficiaries under the Thayumanavar Scheme, as the allocated amount, according to them, is not sufficient to deliver the goods.
2 mins
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
Kremlin says Kyiv briefed on summit terms
A top Kremlin aide on Sunday said that the conclusions of the Alaska summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump were communicated to Kiev, adding that Moscow is maintaining contacts with Washington on the issue.
1 min
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
BHU researchers revive timeless rice variety 'Adam Chini' with innovation
FARMERS in the eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh are seeing their dreams take flight with the revival of the aromatic black rice variety, Adamchini.
1 mins
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
'GST rate cut boosted Oct vehicle loans'
CHOOLAMANDALAM Investment and Finance Company president and CFO Arul Selvan said that the NBFC’s advances in two-wheelers and passenger cars segments went up in October after the GST rationalisation in September.
2 mins
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
SGPC mulls ban on lone woman for Pak jathas after pilgrim goes missing
FILE PHOTO
1 mins
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
‘Indians have to risk losing to be successful’
DURING his heydays in the 1980s, USA’s Freddie Spencer was at the pinnacle of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
1 min
November 17, 2025
The New Indian Express Nagapattinam
Zelenskyy spearheads bid to revive Russia prisoner swaps
UKRAINE is working to resume prisoner exchanges with Russia that could bring home 1,200 Ukrainian prisoners, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday, a day after his national security chief announced progress in negotiations.
1 min
November 17, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size