Every month, Glocal Pvt. Ltd. hosts an inspiring event called Coca-Cola Presents Youth Dialogue. More than just a talk show, this platform brings real stories, lived struggles, and powerful lessons to young minds. It creates a space where experiences turn into motivation and conversations spark clarity. This month’s Youth Dialogue was held at Ritz College, Lalitpur, featuring Abhinav Joshi, Lead Sports Journalist and Director of Nepal Sports Media Pvt. Ltd., as the guest speaker. Widely respected for his sharp sports analysis, engaging hosting skills, and dynamic presence, Abhinav Joshi brought energy and honesty into every moment of the session.
Beginning the Conversation with Sports
Abhinav began the session with a simple yet powerful question: “How many of you watch sports?” The room responded instantly, setting the tone for a discussion deeply rooted in passion. He emphasized the urgent need for female sports enthusiasts in Nepal, highlighting that true development of sports requires equal interest, participation, and representation from all genders. This opening message immediately connected sports with social responsibility and national progress.
A Childhood Dream That Could Not Be Spoken
Sharing his personal story, Abhinav revealed that as a child, he dreamed of becoming a football player. However, growing up in a society where traditional career paths were prioritized, he never had the courage to say it aloud. His father believed engineering was the safest and most respectable option. Like many Nepali youths, Abhinav learned early that dreams are often negotiated within family expectations.
National Camp and the Reality of Pressure
In Class 9, Abhinav was selected for the Under-14 National Football Camp, a milestone moment in his life. Studying at Little Angels’ School, where sports culture was strong and coaching facilities were abundant, he performed well on the field. Yet, he made an important distinction: being a football player for yourself is very different from being a football player for your family. With academic excellence as his strength, he worked relentlessly to convince his family that he could manage both education and football.
The Power of Your Circle
During the closed camp, Abhinav noticed something important about his surroundings. Everyone around him talked only about football and dreamed of playing for the national team. While this passion was motivating, there was hardly any focus on education or life beyond the game. Being in that environment made him realize how strongly people around us influence our thinking. Through this experience, he shared a clear message with the audience: the company you keep shapes who you become. Your surroundings slowly affect your habits, priorities, and the direction of your future.
Struggling to Balance Education and Passion
At that time, although education was considered important, there was a lack of supportive environments that encouraged balanced growth. Training sessions in the morning and evening left Abhinav physically exhausted. Attending school in between became challenging, and effective studying felt nearly impossible. This phase taught him that passion demands sacrifice—and sometimes, exhaustion tests commitment.
Facing Failure at a Young Age
One of the most emotional parts of his story was his experience playing against stronger nations. The team lost five consecutive matches, shattering the dreams of young players who imagined moments of victory and celebration. Instead of applause, they faced criticism and boos from the audience. For a 15-year-old, this public rejection was deeply traumatic. Abhinav described it as a moment of confusion and emotional breakdown, realizing that sports can sometimes be unfair, regardless of effort and intention.
Academic Choices and Inner Conflict
After completing his SLC, his father wanted him to pursue science, while Abhinav wished to stay connected to football. After much discussion, he chose management, hoping it would allow him to balance both worlds. However, reality struck hard—he neither became exceptional in football nor fully satisfied in academics. He described this phase as being stuck in a “sea of confusion”, unsure of identity and direction.
Life’s Unexpected Redirection
Abhinav reminded the audience that life does not always follow our plans. Sometimes, it takes us down paths we never wanted. Coming from a media background, with his father owning a media house, he slowly became involved in media work. Although he learned valuable skills, he felt no inner satisfaction. His heart still belonged to sports.
Finding Purpose Through Sports Journalism
A turning point came when a family friend proposed a sports-related media program. For the first time, Abhinav felt excitement again. This opportunity allowed him to reconnect with sports through journalism. Despite facing countless challenges, limited resources, and handling multiple responsibilities alone, he persisted. He explored sports journalism, event hosting, and even fashion shows, learning through struggle and experience.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
While concluding his talk, Abhinav delivered one of the strongest messages of the session: nothing special happens inside a comfort zone. To achieve something meaningful, individuals must challenge themselves, face competition, and accept discomfort. Growth demands courage, persistence, and the willingness to fail before succeeding.
Key Message to Youth
Abhinav Joshi’s journey is not just a sports story—it is a reflection of every young person who feels torn between dreams and expectations. His life teaches that confusion is not weakness, failure is not the end, and redirection is not defeat. What truly matters is staying connected to what gives you purpose and being brave enough to continue, even when the path is unclear.
Conclusion: A Dialogue That Leaves an Impact
The Coca-Cola Presents Youth Dialogue at Ritz College was more than an event—it was an emotional and motivational experience. Through honesty, vulnerability, and lived reality, Abhinav Joshi reminded students that success is not always about achieving the original dream, but about finding meaning in the journey. His story encouraged young minds to embrace challenges, trust the process, and believe that even unexpected paths can lead to powerful destinations.
