Pritam Kotal

Early career and Indian Arrows

Born in Uttarpara, West Bengal, Kotal began playing football at the age of four after being inspired by his uncle, who was also a footballer. He began his youth career with Chirag United before playing for the West Bengal youth team. Kotal also played for Wari in 2009. After spending time with the India under-19 side, Kotal joined the All India Football Federation's development I-League side, Pailan Arrows (current Indian Arrows). He played in six matches during his debut 2011–12 season for the side.

Mohun Bagan

2013–16: First goals and loan spells

After Pailan Arrows disbanded and before the 2013–14 season, Kotal signed with Mohun Bagan. He made his debut for the club on 23 October 2013 against Salgaocar. He came on as an 85th-minute substitute for Aiborlang Khongjee as Mohun Bagan won 2–1. Kotal scored his first goal for the club on 7 February 2015 against Pune. His 77th-minute goal was the only one in a 1–0 victory for Mohun Bagan. He scored his second goal of his career, and second of the season on 20 May against Royal Wahingdoh. His goal was the first of two as Mohun Bagan won 2–0. As well as by providing two goals, Kotal also helped Mohun Bagan to win their first ever I-League title, and thus Mohun Bagan became the first side from Kolkata to win the title, since the inception of league in 2007. Kotal played the 2015-16 I-League campaign, and played his first match of the season against Aizawl on 9 January…

Youth

2011–2012: Beginnings and AFC U-19 Championship qualification

Kotal first began his international career for India at the under-19 level. After successfully going through a trial, Kotal was selected into the squad that went on an exposure trip to China before playing for the side during the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers which India failed to make.

2012–2016: AFC U-22 Championship qualification and Asian Games

He then played for the under-22 side during the 2013 AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers in Oman. He was then part of the under-23 side to participate at the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea. Kotal's participation with the under-23 side continued further, as he was a part of the 2015's India's squad that took part in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers in Bangladesh.

Senior

2015–2018: Beginnings, SAFF Championship, and Intercontinental Cup title

After his impressive performances at club level, Kotal made it to the senior national squad of India, and made his international debut on 12 March 2015 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nepal. The match was also Stephen Constantine's first match as the head coach for India. He played the full match but earned a sixth minute yellow card as India won 2–0. Nine months later, on 3 January 2016, Kotal helped India clinch the SAFF Championship, when they defeated the reigning champions Afghanistan 2–1 in extra-time. Kotal started the match and…

Kotal is a versatile right back who is capable of playing any role in the defensive area.

Kotal's date of birth is contentious with many different dates being reported but he is believed to have been born in the Uttarpara, West Bengal on 8 September 1993. His dad was a rickshaw puller, and his uncle played football, who introduced him to playing football. Kotal idolized former Indian international Deepak Mondal, who used to play as a right back during his playing time. In 2020, Kotal launched an academy to provide training and practice to the underprivileged young footballers. In March 2020, he donated Indian rupees 50,000 to the West Bengal Chief Minister's fund for the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2023, Kotal married his long-time girlfriend and Bengali sports-reporter Sonela Paul.