Sports Desk: In a significant development for Indian football, former Australian winger Ryan Williams has officially become an Indian citizen and received his Indian passport, paving the way for his inclusion in the Indian national football team.
In a touching moment shared by Bengaluru FC, skipper Sunil Chhetri personally handed over the passport to Williams, marking the start of a new chapter in the player’s career. The development comes at a crucial time for Indian football, as the Blue Tigers look to rebuild after crashing out of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers and enduring a challenging spell on the international stage.
According to reports, both Williams and Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti are expected to join the national camp in Bengaluru ahead of India’s upcoming AFC Asia Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh.
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As per ESPN, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is awaiting a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Australian Football Association before Williams’ official inclusion can be confirmed.
Williams, who currently plays for Bengaluru FC, has Indian roots through his mother, who hails from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai. His addition is seen as a major boost for the squad, offering valuable international experience and attacking depth.
Meanwhile, Abneet Bharti, who plies his trade with the Bolivian club Academia del Balompié Boliviano, brings defensive solidity and versatility to the team.
With Khalid Jamil at the helm, the Indian side has already welcomed several new faces, signaling a fresh era of rejuvenation and hope. The inclusion of Williams and Bharti could provide the much-needed firepower and balance as the Blue Tigers prepare for their next big challenge.
