Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Nov 8: Former Australian footballer Ryan Williams has officially received Indian citizenship, marking a historic milestone for Indian football. The passport was ceremonially handed over by Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri at the Bengaluru FC training camp.

Williams, whose mother is of Anglo-Indian origin, is the first player to be integrated into the Indian football system under the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) initiative to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

The moment went viral after Chhetri quizzed Williams about Indian street food and pop culture, to which the footballer responded confidently before declaring, “I’m one of you now.”

Williams’ citizenship journey was supported by the Karnataka State Football Association, JSW Group, and the AIFF, with final approval coming from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi.

Having represented Australia’s youth sides and played one senior match in 2019, Williams is eligible under FIFA rules to represent India. His professional career includes stints at Fulham, Oxford United, Barnsley, and Perth Glory. Since joining Bengaluru FC in 2023, he has scored 13 goals and assisted five times in 46 appearances.

Williams is expected to join the Indian national camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. His addition is seen as a major boost to India’s attack under new coach Khalid Jamil.

Meanwhile, Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has also joined the national camp on trial and may be included in the final squad depending on his performance.