New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Social media has the potential to subtly disrupt an athlete's routine, turning short breaks into lengthy distractions that ultimately affect focus, recovery, and performance. This impact is particularly pronounced for emerging players striving for consistency. Suraj Singh Aheibam, the goalkeeper for India's U20 men's team, experienced this challenge firsthand.

On April 14, 2025, Suraj endured a challenging evening. His team, Classic Football Academy, had just suffered a 0-3 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Reliance Foundation Development League final. While grappling with disappointment, he contemplated more than just the match; he reflected on his routine. He recognized that excessive hours spent on social media, late-night scrolling, and various distractions were hindering his performance. That night, it became clear to him that improvement required a change. He promptly deleted his Instagram and other social media accounts, opting for discipline over distraction.

“I had developed a social media addiction, constantly doomscrolling,” Suraj shared during an interview with AIFF amid the SAFF U20 Championship in the Maldives. “I would watch reels after meals and anytime I had a moment to spare. The worst was after dinner; I would retreat to my room and spend two to three hours scrolling,” he explained.

After frequently staying up late, Suraj found himself waking up drained and struggling to focus during training. Acknowledging the detrimental effects, he decided to take a complete break from social media. This pivotal choice allowed him to instill discipline into his daily routine. He began going to bed earlier, prioritizing recovery, improving his nutrition, and organizing his schedule around training. The clarity he gained from this adjustment soon reflected in his performance.

Within a month, the positive changes became apparent. On May 18, 2025, Suraj played a crucial role in the SAFF U19 Championship final in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. With the game tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, he saved a critical penalty from Bangladesh’s Salahuddin Sahed, enabling India to win the shootout and secure the championship.

“It justified my decision. It illustrated how social media addiction can diminish your performance. When I distanced myself from it, I felt serene and could concentrate fully. During the penalty, I was entirely present,” Suraj remarked.

At just 18 years old, he only reactivated his social media accounts after achieving success, but his perspective had transformed. He now emphasizes balance and discipline. “I’ve altered my habits. I return to my room to watch a few YouTube videos on goalkeeping before going to bed at 10:30 pm. Even when I’m not on YouTube, I prefer listening to Manipuri music instead of scrolling through social media,” he stated.

This newfound maturity was also evident when Suraj signed his first contract with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League last year. Having already won titles in the SAFF U16, U17, and U19 categories, he now bears greater responsibilities as he captains the India U20 team in the ongoing SAFF U20 Championship.

“My mindset has shifted since becoming captain. There’s an added responsibility, and I aspire to be a disciplinarian,” he expressed.

Suraj draws inspiration from Ederson, the former Manchester City goalkeeper now with Fenerbahçe, particularly regarding his distribution skills and composure. “I emulate Ederson’s style of play. He excels with his feet, and I aim to replicate how he distributes the ball and initiates counterattacks,” he added.

A significant contributor to his development has been Renedy Singh, a former Indian midfielder who has mentored him at Classic Football Academy and Bengaluru FC.

“Renedy sir has been instrumental in my growth. He has provided me with boots, goalkeeping gloves, and I stayed at his home for over two years. Whenever I visit Manipur, I stay with him. His advice has been invaluable: train diligently and uphold modern discipline,” Suraj shared.

The mentorship continues. Prior to the SAFF U20 Championship, Suraj sought guidance from his mentor. “I regularly converse with him, and I reached out before coming to the tournament. He urged me not to lose against any team. The goal is to secure victory and progress to the end,” he stated.

India is set to face Bhutan in the semi-finals of the SAFF U20 Championship on Wednesday.