Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 7: In a landmark moment for Indian football, former Australian winger Ryan Williams has officially become an Indian citizen, marking the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) first major success in integrating Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) into the national setup. The ceremonial passport handover was carried out by Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri at the Bengaluru FC camp.

The event turned into a heartwarming celebration as Chhetri playfully quizzed Williams on Indian street food and pop culture. Williams impressed everyone with his answers before proudly declaring himself “one of their own,” drawing cheers from teammates and fans alike.

Williams, who qualifies for Indian citizenship through his mother’s Anglo-Indian heritage, received support from multiple stakeholders — including his family, the Karnataka State Football Association, JSW Group, and AIFF officials — with final clearances granted in Delhi.

Having represented Australia at the youth level and earning a senior cap in 2019, Williams remains eligible to switch national allegiance under FIFA rules. His professional journey spans clubs across England and Australia, including Portsmouth, Fulham, Oxford United, Barnsley, and Perth Glory. Since joining Bengaluru FC in 2023, he has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances, forming a formidable partnership with Sunil Chhetri.

Williams’ inclusion in the national team camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers signals a new chapter for Indian football. The AIFF hopes his addition will bolster India’s attacking depth under head coach Khalid Jamil.

Meanwhile, Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti is also attending the national camp on a trial basis and could join the squad for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh depending on his performance.