Nikhil Mali is already a star in the smaller version of Indian football. Having scored 24 and 25 goals for Delhi FC in the All India Football Federation-organized National Futsal Championship respectively, last and this season the Pune-based striker has already established his name as one of the prominent strikers.  Still, he does not seem fully content. Mali wants to inscribe his name in the stardom of the country's mainstream football. That is earning fame by scoring in the competitions like I-League, and ISL and in international competitions for the senior national team.

Nikhil who has joined Bengaluru United FC this season and played in five matches already in the ongoing second division I-League said, "I used to play in the five-a-side football since my childhood. I played on the small grounds in my locality. Even I played on a tennis court with local boys. Playing five-a-side was spontaneous."

Mali now wants to settle in the country's mainstream football. Having played in futsal tournaments for Delhi FC for a couple of years the 26-year-old joined Aizawl FC last season. But he did not get a chance of playing for the team there. He said, "I was fielded in seven I-League matches where I was in the starting eleven in only one match and took part in the remaining six matches as the substitute. I was fielded in the wing-half position." Rather, Mali sounded more content representing Bengaluru United FC. He said, "I have already played five matches, and from the beginning in every match. Although I scored once I had a couple of assists in the match."

However, Mali has not left Futsal completely. He is looking for an opportunity to take part in a quality Futsal Championship and commenting on the issue Nikhil said, "AFC Club Futsal Championship is scheduled to be held this year in December. I have a contract with Minerva FC for its Futsal team. So, I am eyeing the competition."

Mali added, "If you look at the World's great footballers, most of them settled in mainstream football after having performed in Futsal consistently. I feel Futsal in India should be promoted. There are a lot of talented footballers who have the ability to shine in the format. But they do not have the scope." 

The striker also explained, "Playing in Futsal has helped me to gain the ability to take quick decision, dribbling quality and reflex action. While playing in second division league, I realize I have improved in these aspects." 

Cristiano Ronaldo is Nikhil's hero in international football. But the striker has the desire to meet Sunil Chhetri at for once, his hero in Indian football.