Footballer needs to stay fit even in off-season: Defender Lalruatthara

Few weeks ahead of the commencement of the Intercontinental Cup, talented national team defender Lalruatthara, who was declared the 'Emerging Player of the ISL 2017-18', stressed at staying fit all throughout the season.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing preparatory camp for the Intercontinental Cup, the sturdy defender said, "Fitness in modern-day Football is of paramount importance. It's compulsory that a player follows the routine regularly, even during the off-season."

"There's no shortcut to success and we have to stick to our schedule to be in right shape, come what may."

A fitness freak himself, Lalruatthara feels the Intercontinental Cup is going to aid the team in their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

"This tournament has a great importance in our preparation as it'll help us gauge ourselves before the AFC Asian Cup. There's very little time left for the test and we have to be at the top of our game before taking on the Asian superpowers," he quipped.

The Mizo defender made his senior team debut against the Kyrgyz Republic in the final AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifying match in Bishkek. He believes, that he's much better player now -- courtesy his experience in International Football.

"I'm learning every day and my sole target is to get better every day. I feel I'm a much-improved player now compared to my first day in the National Team."

The soft-spoken defender, who idolises Sandesh Jhingan, added, "It has been a great season for me. But I have to keep my focus right. Debuting against the Kyrgyz Republic was dream-come-true. This was a huge experience. But, I have to work even harder now to stay on the run."

India will compete with Kenya, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei in the upcoming Intercontinental Cup which is part of their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

The Intercontinental Cup is slated to be held in Mumbai from June 1.