New Delhi, India :
In an unprecedented move, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has called up two Indian-origin players – Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti – to the senior men’s national team camp ahead of the Bangladesh qualifier.
Williams, an Australian professional footballer, and Bharti, a Nepal-born defender, represent a new direction in Indian football’s talent strategy. Their inclusion highlights the federation’s willingness to tap into the Indian diaspora for strengthening the national team’s competitiveness.
Reports indicate that the AIFF has been exploring policy changes to allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players to represent the country under certain conditions — a major step toward internationalizing Indian football.
This inclusion is being viewed as a progressive signal to the global Indian community, opening doors for more talent raised abroad to play for the tricolor. Analysts believe that such moves will bring higher professionalism, exposure, and tactical depth to the Indian squad.
As Indian football aspires to qualify for major tournaments and raise its FIFA ranking, this diaspora outreach could become a game-changer for the sport’s growth in India.
