Born on 8th April 1970, goalkeeper Ashish Ballal is known for giving India title through tie-break ordeal in the final of the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. The Asian Games came to India after a gap of 36 years, which made him a folklore in India. Ballal made his international debut in 1987 at the Russian tour. having figured in the 1987 Karachi Asia Cup, he went on to play India at the top notch events including the Olympics (1992), World Cup (1994). He led India to gold at the pre-Asian Games event too. He represented Indian Airlines in the domestic circuit and won Arjuna in 1966. He lives in Bangaluru at present.