Business, Brotherhood and the Beautiful Game: The Story of Rajeev Asija
- Karm Mulchandani
- Aug 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Rajeev Asija's been in business longer than most players in ACES have been playing football. The journey started when he was just 19, and by August 2025, he’ll complete two decades in the field. Twenty years is a long time in any profession, and in that time, he’s dabbled in all kinds of ventures — garments, restaurants, lifestyle products and even a little bit of real estate. Each venture brought its own lessons, challenges and small victories, shaping him into the entrepreneur he is today. At his core, he’s someone who likes to create, build and take on new challenges just to see where they might lead.
Owning a football team in ACES wasn’t one of those carefully calculated moves. It happened in the simplest way possible. Joel and Aneesh came to him with the idea of starting something competitive. They wanted to build a team, and they asked if he’d be on board. His answer was quick and instinctive — “Why not?” There was no business pitch, no presentation, no weighing of pros and cons. Just friends inviting him to be part of something exciting, and him saying yes because that’s what you do when the right people ask.
But while the decision was casual, his connection to football is anything but. He doesn’t share the full story, but admits the sport has played a massive role in his life — even helping him avoid self-destruction. It’s clear that the game isn’t just about competition for him. It’s a source of grounding, a reminder of discipline, and something that’s been there through difficult times.
When it came to naming the team, he wanted something that carried weight and presence. A name that would stand tall on the pitch and make people take notice. That’s how Satans was born. “I wanted a name that could inspire others to call themselves a Satan,” he explains. It’s bold, fearless and unapologetic — just like the football they want to play. For him, the name comes with a set of values: never say die, stand your ground even when the land is shaking, and do it all with a smile. Courage fuels pride, and pride fuels the desire to win.
Balancing a business career, family life and the responsibilities of running a football team is no easy task. For him, it starts with priorities. Family always comes first, and once that’s taken care of, the rest can be managed. He’s grateful for an understanding wife who not only accepts his passion for football but actively supports it. That support gives him the space to commit to the game fully when it’s time.
His approach to leading the Satans is influenced by his professional life. Over the years, he’s learned that the best way to manage is to lead by example. “If I can’t do it, why will I expect my team to do it? It’s simple yet effective,” he says. Still, Season 1 taught him an unexpected lesson — how just one wrong player can shift the mood of an entire team and slow down progress.
Looking back, Season 1 was exactly what their name suggests: wild, unpredictable and intense. There were highs that made them believe and lows that tested their resolve. Now, with Season 2 on the horizon, he describes the team’s mindset in one word — Devilish. If that attitude catches fire, ACES might just be staring down a storm the league has never seen before.
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