Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 25: In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir football, Danish Farooq Bhat has once again earned a place in the Indian national football team, this time under newly-appointed head coach Khalid Jamil, for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup set to begin on August 29 in Tajikistan. Danish, who plays for Kerala Blasters, was first called up by former coach Igor Stimac around two years ago for friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus. His consistent growth from his early days at Bengaluru FC to the national squad has made him an inspiration for aspiring footballers from J&K.
Khalid Jamil, the first Indian head coach of the national team in over a decade, announced a 23-member squad after a training camp that began on August 1. India has been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Tajikistan, defending champions Iran, and Afghanistan. The Blue Tigers will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4.
Mohun Bagan did not release seven players for the camp, citing the non-FIFA window status of the tournament. However, players like Anwar Ali, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Jeakson Singh and Jithin MS joined the camp later and made the final squad. Veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu returns, while talisman Sunil Chhetri has not been called up.
“Danish’s journey reflects his hard work and commitment. His success will inspire many youngsters from J&K to believe they too can reach the highest level,” said Arun Malhotra, former India footballer and AIFF Technical Committee Member.
INDIA SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwar. Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvai. Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Sing. Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr.), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh and Head Coach: Khalid Jamil.
“Congratulations to Danish Farooq. Danish previously
played for the J&K Bank football team & has been selected for the Indian National Football Team. Best of luck to you Danish. May you continue to shine”: CM
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