NEW DELHI: Indian football took another step into a new era on Sunday as Ryan Williams, the Australia-born forward who recently became an Indian citizen, officially joined the national team camp in Bengaluru ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed his arrival, saying, “Forward Ryan Williams and defender Jay Gupta have joined the senior men’s national team camp in Bengaluru.” The camp, led by newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil, began on Thursday and has already welcomed overseas-based players Abneet Bharti and now Williams, reflecting a fresh and ambitious direction for Indian football.
Williams’ inclusion adds international quality to the squad. The 32-year-old, who plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, is known for his pace and technical ability — assets India will hope to harness in the must-win qualifier in Dhaka.Though the former Australian international’s decision to relinquish his Australian passport made headlines last week, his participation in the national camp marks the first official step towards his potential debut in Indian colours.
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The citizenship handover ceremony was held at Bengaluru FC’s training facility, where Williams received his Indian passport from captain Sunil Chhetri, a symbolic moment that underscored his commitment to his new home.“Honoured to make official what’s long felt true… India, I’m one of your own,” Williams had written earlier on Instagram.Born in Perth to a Mumbai-born mother and English father, Williams has previously represented Australia at U-20 and U-23 levels, and made a senior appearance in a 2019 friendly against South Korea.Before moving to India, he played for Fulham and Portsmouth in England. Williams now becomes only the second overseas-born footballer after Izumi Arata (2013–14) to represent India — a move that could signal a broader embrace of Indian-origin talent worldwide.
