Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti Join India's National Camp for Asian Cup Qualifier

Post by : Mina Rahman

Indian football is poised for an exciting development as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has welcomed Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti into the national training camp. This comes as India prepares for their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, slated for November 18 in Dhaka.

The training session kicked off in Bengaluru on Thursday, with both players anticipated to join the squad imminently. Pending clearance, they could be pivotal in the upcoming match.

Ryan Williams: Transitioning from Australia to Indian Football

At 31, Williams, who is a midfielder from Perth, has represented Australia at various youth levels and received senior caps, including a friendly match against South Korea in 2019. He has played for notable English clubs like Fulham and Portsmouth before signing on with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League in 2023.

Williams has impressive ties to India; his mother comes from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai and his twin brother Aryn has played for NEROCA FC among other Indian teams. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Williams spoke about his recent citizenship application, saying, “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.”

This year, Williams expressed his intention to gain Indian citizenship, leading him to renounce his Australian passport. Following the process, he now proudly holds an Indian passport. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey noted that Sunil Chhetri played a crucial role in bringing Williams’ aspirations to his attention.

Abneet Bharti, on the other hand, is a 27-year-old Indian citizen currently residing in Brazil, where he plays for the top-tier Bolivian team, Academia del Balompié Boliviano (ABB). Chaubey shared, “We learned about him through the Indian embassy in Brazil and extended an invitation for him to join the national camp.”

The inclusion of these two players signifies AIFF's intent to scout talented Indians abroad, which could enhance India’s performance in upcoming international competitions. As the AFC Asian Cup qualifier nears, integrating both Williams and Bharti into the squad may be essential.