The challenge is to get into the final Asian Games squad – Dempo’s Pronay Haldar

Despite being only 21, Pronay Haldar has been one of the most consistent central midfielders of the I-League in the last two seasons. Australian Arthur Papas has been his coach in both those campaigns, first at Pailan Arrows and last season at Dempo, and brought the best out the Bengali lad.

A call-up to the senior national team looks to be only a matter of time for Pronay but for now he can look forward to be a part of the India Under-23’s preparations for the Asian Games. The camp starts with 30 players on July 1 in Bangalore and Pronay wants to impress Wim Koevermans and get into the final squad of 23, which won’t be easy as there are five other equally talented central medios.

“It is an honour to get called up for the Asian Games preparations. The challenge is to get into the final squad and so I will be giving more than 100%. There are other good midfielders in the camp as well and it will be exciting to train with them. Some of them I know very well like Siam (Hanghal) who was my batchmate at TFA so there is going to be a healthy competition for places and I am looking forward to it,” Pronay told Sportskeeda in an exclusive chat.

The Xabi Alonso fan had a stint at the Mohun Bagan academy before continuing his football education at the Tata Football Academy (TFA), from where he graduated in 2012. He has represented India at U-19 and U-22 levels and talked about the coaches who had a major influence in his career.

“Firstly my father played a big role in me becoming a professional footballer, I can never repay what he has done for me. Then at TFA Ranjan (Chowdhury) Sir taught me a lot and I developed as an individual under him. I became a central midfielder on the advice of Colm (Toal) Sir while playing for India U-19s. Previously I was a centre-back but he saw qualities in me to play in midfield and that’s how I got accustomed to this position.

“And of course Arthur (Papas) Sir has become such an important part of my career. I have learnt a lot from him both about technicalities and also about conducting myself off the pitch. My father and all these coaches have all contributed heavily in my career and I want to thank them by becoming an even better player for club and country,” he said.

Pronay has signed a long-term contract with Dempo, whom he helped finish fourth in the I-League. Looking back on his first season with the Goan club, Pronay made a personal assessment and stressed on adding goals to his game next term.

“I think collectively it was a good season for us and personally I am satisfied but need to do more. I think I have improved in certain aspects like I am much calmer now because in the previous campaign at Arrows I picked up too many cards. I still have plenty of room for improvement and one particular area about which I get reminded is the goals. I need to score and set up more to become a complete midfielder,” he opined.

Pronay’s strength remains his work rate and ability to win back possession and protect the defence but the youngster’s willingness to constantly upgrade himself should make him a better player in years to come.