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Chhetri’s suggestion paved the way for Williams switching allegiance to India.
| Photo Credit: file photo
India has been on the lookout for inside forwards since goals dried up from Sunil Chhetri in open play. Earlier this year, a suggestion arrived from Chhetri himself, one that paved the way for Ryan Williams, an Australian international, switching allegiance to India — a first of its kind.
“During the national camp in May 2025 in Kolkata, Sunil Chhetri told me that Ryan was interested in getting the Indian passport and that he had submitted his details to the relevant government authorities in Bengaluru,” Kalyan Chaubey, the president of All India Football Federation (AIFF), told The Hindu.
“I reached out to the respective departments in New Delhi.”
Williams will be added to the list of India probables for the AFC Asian Cup third round (away) qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18, and after a No Objection Certificate from Football Australia, he could don India colours in Dhaka.
“The whole process usually takes a lot of time, sometimes years, as multiple agencies are involved and the clearance of Ministries (Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs) are required,” Chaubey explained.
“But it was completed in just seven months, and I’m thankful to the Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, for ensuring the process.”
But India’s probables list will have one name missing: Chhetri, who called time on his international career for the second time. Williams’ inclusion thus does more than fill a roster spot; it marks the passing of the torch. And in the shadow of his departure, Chhetri was among the ones who lit the flame.
Published – November 07, 2025 10:58 pm IST
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Chhetri passes the baton to Williams in India rebuild
