Rahul KP spoke of his pride at representing West Ham United at The Soccer Tournament (TST) after the Hammers came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in a pre-tournament friendly on Monday, thanks to two late goals from striker Justin Stinson.
Rahul, who has won seven caps for India, has firmly established himself as a rising star in his home country and currently plays for Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC.
The 25-year-old was announced as a member of the Irons' roster for TST last month, and after meeting up with his new teammates upon touchdown in the USA, he quickly channelled his inner Dimitri Payet against Die Borussen, duly impressing the hundreds of fans in attendance at Bandwidth HQ - home of one of North Carolina’s biggest technology and software companies.
Our No7 capped a fine display by firing home a spot-kick in a fun post-match penalty shoot-out, and, after the game, joined the other players as they mingled with fans, posing for photographs and signing autographs, with Rahul’s sizeable presence in India attracting a newfound fanbase of West Ham supporters on the other side of the pond.
Rahul and the rest of the Hammers squad have now turned their attention to Wednesday's group-stage opener against Brown Ballers FC at 9.30am EST (2.30pm BST), that is being streamed on the Club's official YouTube channel, with their eyes ultimately set on lifting the trophy in the $1million, winner-takes-all 48-team competition.
Rahul KP’s first Hammers goal ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/5b76tZlJsQ
— West Ham United US (@WestHam_US) June 3, 2025
Rahul, how excited are you by this chance to represent West Ham at a big tournament like TST?
Super happy! I’m enjoying every moment, just being here with everyone.
I feel like I’ve got the best teammates. Everyone’s amazing. From day one, they’ve made me feel like I’m at home. West Ham have got it right with the players they picked for TST.
The staff are so friendly and welcoming. Sometimes, more than football, it’s about feeling like a family. And that’s exactly what I’ve felt here. I’m just really happy, enjoying every bit of this amazing experience in a beautiful country, and super excited for TST to begin properly.
How did this opportunity come about?
The opportunity came through Odisha's CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Raj [Athwa]. I’ve got to mention his name, because without him, this wouldn’t have happened. And a big thanks to everyone from West Ham as well.
It all started with a chat and moved quickly from there. We worked on it together, and, by God’s grace, everything went smoothly. Also, thanks to Odisha for letting me come here. I’m just super grateful and happy it all worked out.
What was your reaction when you first got the call?
Honestly, I didn’t believe it at first. I thought maybe we’d try and see if it could happen, but I wasn’t sure it would.
Now, here I am, wearing the West Ham kit - it feels amazing - so a huge thanks to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make it possible.
Has the news made waves in India?
It’s gone crazy, to be honest. The love and support from my country has been overwhelming.
I’m just so proud to be from India, and even prouder to represent West Ham here at TST.
How much do you know about West Ham? What comes to mind when you think of the Club?
I don’t even have to think twice - Dimitri Payet! That 2015/16 season, when he came in, it was something else. He was just incredible.
That’s when I really started following West Ham. I’m a massive Premier League fan in general - I watch all the matches. West Ham is one of those teams that always puts up a real fight, no matter who the opponent is. I love that.
There’s so much heritage and culture at the Club. And the fans? Amazing!
The Premier League is huge in India. How does it feel to represent a Premier League club?
For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world. There’s nothing better.
Representing a Club like West Ham doesn’t happen every day, and I’m honoured to be the first Indian to represent them at TST. That’s something I’ll carry with pride forever - it’s part of history now.
How has your TST experience been so far?
It's only been a couple of days, and I already don’t want to leave! Every day has been incredible.
I’ve been learning so much. I got to talk with Anton [Ferdinand]. I told him, 'You’ve got to help me, guide me - I want to learn from legends like you'. And he was so nice about it. He said we’d sit down, talk football and he’d help me out.
You don’t get that kind of experience every day. So when you do, you’ve got to make the most of it. That’s how I see it.
For West Ham fans who may not know you - what kind of player are you?
I just love football. I want the ball at my feet, I want to do things, get behind defenders, score goals and celebrate. That’s the joy of football for me.
I’m not someone who just passes the ball and stands still - I want to be involved and want to make things happen. That’s the kind of player I am.
How far do you think we can go at TST?
We’re going for the prize (The Soccer Tournament Championship). That’s the only goal.
And with the squad we have, I’m confident. Nothing less than winning is our mindset.
