New Delhi, Nov 6: In what could mark a new beginning for Indian football, the game’s national federation AIFF has roped in two overseas-based players — Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti — for the national camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18.
The move reflects a bold shift in approach by the federation, opening the door for Indian-origin players and those willing to give up foreign citizenship to represent the country.
The camp begins in Bengaluru on Thursday, with both players expected to join shortly.
If cleared, both players will join the squad in Dhaka for the November 18 qualifier in a development that could open the door for many more such aspirants and signal a new, inclusive phase for Indian football.
Williams, a 31-year-old midfielder born in Perth represented Australia at U-20, U-23 levels and the senior team as a second half substitute during a friendly against South Korea in 2019.
He also represented English clubs Fulham and Portsmouth before joining former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC in 2023.
In a humourous Instagram video, Williams was seen taking a mock “citizenship interview” conducted by Sunil Chhetri, who tested him with tongue-in-cheek India-specific questions like “Haar ke jeetne wale ko kya kehte hain?” and “Rishtey mein hum tumhare…?” The light-hearted clip ends with Williams proudly collecting his Indian passport.
“Honoured to make official what’s long felt true. Grateful for the love, the opportunity, and the sense of belonging this country has given me.
“As you can see, the last round of interviews was the hardest. India, I’m one of your own!” Williams posted.
Williams’ mother was born into an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai and his twin brother Aryn spent some time at Indian clubs including NEROCA FC.
Earlier this year, he expressed his desire to give up his Australian passport and take up Indian citizenship and he recently got his Indian passport.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said the idea was first brought up by Indian star Chhetri during the national camp in Kolkata in May this year.
“Sunil Chhetri gave the first information about Ryan Williams, who wants to play for India by giving up his Australian passport. From then on, the process started,” Chaubey told PTI.
On the other hand Bharti, a 27-year-old defender, is an Indian citizen based in Brazil and plays for Academia del Balompié Boliviano (ABB), a first-division club in Bolivia.
Having kickstarted his career with Shastri FC in New Delhi, Bharti joined Geylang International’s youth setup in Singapore.
Then he played across Poland, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, the Czech Republic and Bolivia as he also played for Kerala Blasters in the ISL 2019-20. (PTI)
