Footballer gives up Australian citizenship so he can play for India, added in national camp, set for debut this month
Posted on: Nov 07, 2025 16:19 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
In what could be a young chapter for native american football game game, the All republic of india Football Federation (AIFF) has added Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti for the national camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The AFC Asian Cup qualifier is scheduled for November 18.
The camp began in Bengaluru on Thursday, with both players expected to join soon. If cleared, both players will be included in the squad for the fixture.
Williams is a 31-year-old midfielder born in Perth, and has played for Australia U-20 and U-23 teams. He also represented the senior team as a second-half substitute during a friendly in 2019, against South Korea.
He has also represented English teams Fulham and Portsmouth. He joined ISL side Bengaluru FC in 2023.
Williams' mother was born into an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai. Meanwhile, his twin brother Aryn spent some time with Indian clubs like NEROCA FC.
In an Instagram video, Williams was seen attending a mock citizenship interview conducted by Sunil Chhetri. He posted, "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!"
Earlier this year, he expressed a desire to take up Indian citizenship, which would require him to relinquish his Australian passport. He recently got his Indian passport. The idea was brought to the attention of AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey by Chhetri.
Chaubey told PTI, "Sunil Chhetri gave the first information about Ryan Williams, who wants to play for India, by giving up his Australian passport. From then on, the process started."
Meanwhile, Bharti is a 27-year-old defender, and is an Indian citizen based in Brazil. He plays for Academia del Balompié Boliviano (ABB), a first-division club in Bolivia. "We got to know of him through the Indian embassy in Brazil; we then invited him to join the national camp," Chaubey said.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.