The quadrennial FIFA World Cup ended in Qatar on last Sunday, a measure of the global popularity of the sporting event. During the World Cup, India saw an unprecedented surge of football fever. The passion enjoyed by the tournament is further evidenced by the enthusiasm of millions of people across the country who watched the games. Although the quality of Indian football is not nearly as good as that of Latin America, Europe, Africa and other Asian countries, this has not dampened the spirit of the fans.
In the 1950s, which was the golden age of Indian football, India performed in both the Asian Games and the Summer Olympics. We had players like Inder Singh, Magan Singh, Manjit Singh, Ranjit and Shyam Thappa, Subhash Bhowmick, all of whom were successful in continental Europe.
With 2022 coming to an end, we would like to introduce you to some of the top rising stars of Indian football. These youngsters are expecting to reach even greater heights in the coming years. The sport is now about to enter a challenging phase in the country, with a number of youngsters with huge potential to rise from oblivion and take center stage in the coming years. There is a wealth of raw talent in this circle and the way they practice will have an incredible impact on the direction of Indian football in the near future. Read on to find out more.
Gurkirat Singh
The Mumbai City FC striker won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 title for India with 8 goals in this year’s tournament. For a long time, the national team has been trying to find a team of talented strikers to step up to the next degree. In this context, Gurkirat’s efficiency in the abovementioned match was an encouraging development. The 19-year-old player has a solid build as well as a sleek as well as impressive finish. Under the support of Des Buckingham in Mumbai, he is bound to improve.
Gyamar Nikum
The Rajasthan United youngster ruptured right into the spotlight earlier this year after racking up against ISL heavyweights Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan in the Durant Cup. The 18-year-old Arunachal Pradesh midfielder has fast feet, excellent positional understanding and rate.
He can tear apart opposing defenses with his dazzling runs and also has actually remained to master the I-League qualifiers, the I-League as well as the Durant Cup a few months earlier. While there is still plenty of space for improvement, the talent he has revealed up until now is enough to get the attention of a huge section of the Indian football area.
Lalchungnunga
The 22-year-old East Bengal defender has been the essential of Stephen Constantine’s backline this period. He has played every min of the game so far, recording approximately 1.1 interceptions as well as 4.7 clearances per game. Lalchungnunga has been tested previously in the I-League by Aizawl FC and also Sreenedhi Deccan. He has adjusted flawlessly to the difficulties of the ISL and has shown significant protective strength. His efficiency has actually just recently earned him a long-term deal the Red and Gold.
Jiteshwor Singh
The 21-year-old Chennaiyin FC midfielder has done pleasantly in the midfield for the Marina Machans. Jiteshwor has made considerable progress after investing the first phases of his senior occupation with NEROCA FC and Bhawanipore FC. In 7 matches this period, the midfielder has balanced an assist every 12 minutes.
He has maintained a pass accuracy price of nearly 75 percent and has made a block every 29 minutes. Jiteshwor has been a hard worker so far, striking from deep in the midfield as well as evaluating the back line with skill. He probably has a great deal of potential to be a top-class enforcer, but he must ensure that he continues to do much better in his duty, specifically in the second half of the season when the game becomes much more difficult as well as competitive.
Hormipam Ruivah
After winning the SAFF U-18 Championship in India in 2018, Hormipam has actually remained to boost in the group. Because last period, he has come to be a routine in the Kerala Blasters backline. The facility back, who officially signed up with the Kochi-based club in 2021, has taped 3.3 goals, 3.1 clearances, 1.4 interceptions and also a 75.89% pass success rate in 800 minutes in 10 games so far this season.
The 21-year-old player has revealed excellent defensive recognition as well as a strong decision to pass the ball with purpose from the back. It’s impressive to see the 21 years of age core of the defense created a string of solid efficiencies in the ISL. He can establish his sights also better if he keeps up this great form for the near future.