Vishal Kumar

R. Vishal Kumar (born 30 July 1992) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a right back for Minerva Punjab in the I-League.

Club career Early career Born in Bangalore, Karnataka, it was in 2005 that football captured Vishal's imagination. The 8th standard student's enthusiasm caught the attention of Sports Authority of India coach Mary Victoria, who asked him to attend the beginners' camp at Nandan ground in Austin Town.

Later, she introduced him to veteran coach Dada Peer, who was in charge of the Department of Youth Services and Sports-run Sports School at Vidyanagar. "I failed in the selection trials. But Dada Peer Sir believed in my skills and ability and admitted me to the school," said Vishal.

During his term in Department of Youth Services and Sports-run Sports School, he failed to impress State coaches during the trials for Under-16 team. "I could not get a look in when I was in ninth standard. But I was not ready to give up. I attended the trials next year and won my place," he said.

The 29th edition of the sub-junior national championship for Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy transformed his life forever. Karnataka's campaign ended in the semifinals, but the left wing back's career graph began to rise and he landed at the National camp in Gujarat.

A couple of days before the camp concluded, Vishal was forced to return to Bangalore with a broken left forearm, which he sustained during the late stages of a match while attempting a bicycle kick. "I was shattered as I could not complete the camp. I had almost put my national aspirations to rest. But I was surprised when the team's technical director Colm Toal took me into the national squad, even as I was recovering from the injury. It was a dream come true for me," said Vishal.

He represented Karnataka at the national level as the state's only player selected for the Indian probable squad for the Olympic qualifiers against Qatar. He was also a member of the Indian Arrows, a team established to develop young Indian football talent ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualification. He appeared in 17 league matches in the first season. He made his debut for the side in the club's I-League opener against Mohun Bagan A.C. on 22 September 2013 in which he started and played the full match as Bengaluru drew the match 1–1. The first goal scored by Bengaluru FC was by an assist from Vishal. He was released by the club in November 2016.

International Vishal has represented India at the U16, U19, and U23 levels.

Awards Year Award-giving body Award Result 2014 Government of Karnataka Ekalavya Award