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Ryan Williams, ex-Australia U-23, joins the Indian national team camp in Bengaluru after giving up his Australian passport, marking a bold new era for AIFF and Indian football.
Indian football Ryan Williams (X)
Forward Ryan Williams, who has given up his Australian passport to become an Indian citizen, has joined the Khalid Jamil-coached national team camp in Bengaluru, as announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday.
Born in Perth, the 32-year-old player joined the camp along with defender Jay Gupta.
“Forward Ryan Williams, and defender Jay Gupta have joined the senior men’s national team camp in Bengaluru,” the AIFF posted on X.
This move could signify a new era for Indian football. Earlier this week, the AIFF included two overseas-based players, Williams and Abneet Bharti, in the national camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18.
This decision highlights a bold shift by the troubled federation, welcoming Indian-origin players and those willing to relinquish foreign citizenship to represent India.
The camp commenced in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Williams’ Indian citizenship handover ceremony was conducted by the legendary Sunil Chhetri at the training facility of Bengaluru FC, where Williams plays in the Indian Super League.
“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. As you can see, the last round of interviews was the hardest. India, I’m one of your own!” Williams had earlier said in an Instagram post.
Williams’ mother was born in Mumbai, while his father was born in Kent, England.
This is only the second instance of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) becoming eligible to play for the Indian football team.
He has played for Australia’s U-20 and U-23 teams and also represented the senior team as a second-half substitute during a friendly in 2019 against South Korea.
He has also played for English clubs Fulham and Portsmouth before joining ISL side Bengaluru FC in 2023.
Before Williams, Japan-born Izumi Arata took Indian citizenship to represent India in 2012 and featured in nine matches for the Blue Tigers in 2013 and 2014.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
November 09, 2025, 13:38 IST
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