Suraj Singh Aheibam’s Social Media Detox Sparks India U20 Goalkeeper’s Rise to Leadership

India U20 goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam has reshaped habits. He deleted social media after a tough loss in 2025. Classic Football Academy lost 0-3 to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Reliance Foundation Development League 2024-25 final defeat hurt deeply. That night, he chose discipline over distraction.

Suraj realised long scrolling had entered his daily routine. He linked tired mornings and poor focus to late-night reels. The 18-year-old deleted Instagram and other platforms within hours. He now guards his routine closely. His story emerged during the SAFF U20 Championship in Maldives.

"I had become a social media addict, he told the-aiff.com. He watched reels after breakfast, lunch and every free window. Nights were worst, stretching two or three

hours. Training then felt heavy. He woke tired and unfocused, which affected performance levels.

Once he quit social media, his schedule changed quickly. He slept earlier and focused on recovery. His diet improved and days centred on training. Within a month, performances reflected the changes. The clearest moment came during the SAFF U19 Championship final in Yupia.

On May 18, 2025, India met Bangladesh. The game ended 1-1 in regulation time. During the shootout, Suraj saved Salahuddin Sahed's penalty. India won the tie-breaker and lifted the title. "It validated my move, he said about leaving social media.

New routine, new role and club breakthrough

Suraj later reactivated his accounts, but the mindset shifted. "Now, I have changed my habit, he said. He watches goalkeeping videos on YouTube, then sleeps by 10:30 pm. On other nights, he chooses Manipuri music over reels and scrolling.

This maturity matched another major step in his career. Suraj signed his first Indian Super League contract with Bengaluru FC last year. He has already won SAFF U16, U17 and U19 titles. He now captains India U20 at the SAFF U20 Championship.

"I had a different mindset before I became a captain, he said. "Now, there is extra responsibility and I want to be a disciplinarian. He also studies Ederson, now at FenerbahÇe. He admires the Brazilian's composure, distribution and quick counterattacks.

Former India midfielder Renedy Singh has guided Suraj closely. Renedy worked with him at Classic Football Academy and Bengaluru FC. "Renedy sir has done a lot for me, Suraj shared. He mentioned boots, gloves, housing and constant advice about modern discipline and hard training.

Suraj spoke with Renedy before travelling for the Maldives tournament. "He asked me not to lose to any team, he said. The target is simple. "The goal is to keep winning and go till the end. India face Bhutan in the semi-final on April 1 at 21:00 IST. The match will stream live on Sportzworkz YouTube.