Q&A session with Gokulam Kerala FC defender Dharmaraj Ravanan
With a career spanning almost 15 years, the Gokulam Kerala FC defender has won numerous trophies for multiple top tier Indian clubs and has lifted the South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFF Suzuki Championship) Cup for India. Here’s our Q&A session with the decorated centre-back.
Note: This article was originally published on 15th September, 2019.
Q) Growing up, which team did you support? Who is your favourite player?
– Arsenal. My favourite player used to be Thierry Henry. Now, I like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Q) How did you get into football? When did you decide to become a professional footballer?
– My school encouraged playing football a lot, that’s how I fell in love with football. After the completion of my 10th standard exams, I decided to take up football as a profession.
Q) As someone who has been involved with the game for a long time, give us your take on the professional football scene in India. Do you think football here has evolved substantially since your early playing days?
– Yes, the standard of football has improved a lot in terms of quality, infrastructure and facilities. Players are getting opportunities to share the space with experienced professionals who have played in the top leagues. All the clubs have dedicated U- 15 and U-18 teams. Clubs are being coached by professionals who have worked with top clubs and big players. The current crop of Indian players is learning a lot from them.
Q) With successful stints at Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan and Mahindra United (to name a few), you’ve practically won everything there is to win. Is there any individual or team accolade, which has so far eluded you that you’d like to win?
– Yes, I have won all the domestic club titles in India except the ISL trophy. With the national team, I have won the SAFF cup. Now, I want to win the I-League this season with my new club Gokulam Kerala FC.
Q) As a defensive player who primarily operates as a centre-back, which player do you look up to?
– I like Mahesh Gawli, a former defender for the Indian national team. He was very calm and composed during his playing days.
Q) What’s the best thing about being a professional footballer?
– Happiness. I am proud to call myself a professional player because it has taught me discipline, commitment, a never-give-up attitude, and hard work. More than anything, I have learned how to handle the pressure.
Q) What has been the toughest challenge in your professional life?
– Ever since I started playing professional football, I have been staying away from my family. This has been the toughest challenge.
Q) What are some of the most memorable games you have played so far?
– The 2009 SAFF Cup final against the Maldives and the matches in the 2012-13 I-League season with Churchill Brothers because we won Gold in the SAFF Cup for our country and were crowned as the 2012-13 I-League champions under my captaincy.
Q) You’ve had an illustrious career spanning almost 15 years playing for some of the most iconic Indian clubs. As you reach the twilight of your professional career, have you thought about what you would do once you hang up your boots? If yes, would you still want to be involved with the game in a coaching/mentoring capacity?
– Yes, I definitely want to become a coach.
Honestly, I don’t know anything other than football and I want to share what I learned from my coaches. What I am today is because of football, and so once I stop playing, I want to do something for football and the upcoming footballers. Coaching will be the right way to do that.
Q) Finally, what would you advise aspiring footballers on the come up?
– Don’t depend on your talent because talent alone is a waste without hard work, self-discipline, and commitment. Talent will give you the opportunity but hard work, self-discipline, and commitment will help you to achieve your dream or goal.
