‘I break records for fun’

Ashraful Islam, commonly known as "Jhohan Freestyle", is a young boy from Chattogram who broke four Guinness World Records in freestyle football. He spoke to The Daily Star about how he got started on his record-setting journey and his ambitions for the future.

The Daily Star (DS): When did you first start practicing freestyle?

Jhohan Freestyle (JF): I could do a lot of football tricks, but I never knew there was something called freestyle in 2013. I saw Super Syed [Muktasid] and reached out to him and he has inspired me ever since. Finally, I started freestyle in March 2016.

DS: In a world where most people are into football, what made you devote yourself to freestyle?

JF: Sunshine, rain or even in a storm, I would always be on the field playing football. It was surreal. However, football requires you to be physically fit and strong, which was a big challenge for me as a skinny person. But in freestyle football, you can be skinny and still be really good at it. All you need is consistency and willpower to go out every day and train your heart out.

DS: Did you ever think you would be a record holder? Let alone hold four?

JF: No! One day I was scrolling through social media and saw a video of an Indian freestyler, Archis Patel. He did a 101 side head stalls in one minute. So I gave it a try and I did 105 in one minute on my first attempt. So I reached out to Archis, he helped me with the application process, and I finally had my first world record.

DS: What challenges and obstacles have you faced on the path to these world records?

JF: Getting injured and overcoming it was the toughest challenge as well as one of my biggest fears.

DS: What inspires you and keeps you going for one record after the other?

JF: Honestly, I never had the drive to break records. My dream was to develop my freestyle. I try to set a high standard and then work hard consistently to reach that level. People like Syed Muktasid and Tom Folan drive me to develop. I break records for fun.