Suhail Ahmad Bhat, a 20-year-old forward from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, has achieved a dream milestone, earning a spot in the Indian national football team for the upcoming international friendly against Thailand on June 4, 2025. His inspiring journey—from being a ball boy in 2019 to training alongside Sunil Chhetri—has captivated Indian football fans.
A Journey of Perseverance & Passion
Bhat vividly recalls his early days as a ball boy, watching Indian football legends from behind the goalpost. Fast forward to 2025, and he is now shooting at the same goal during national team training sessions. His rapid rise through the ranks—from India U16, U19, and U23 teams to the senior squad—has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Historic Achievement for Kashmir Football
If Bhat makes his debut, he will become only the fifth player from Jammu & Kashmir to represent India at the senior level, following Abdul Majeed Kakroo, Mushir Ahmed, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, and Danish Farooq Bhat. His selection is seen as a symbol of hope for aspiring footballers from the region.
Training with Legends & Future Aspirations
Bhat, who plays for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has impressed his seniors with his ambidextrous skills and relentless work ethic. He credits Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration but acknowledges that Sunil Chhetri’s mentorship has been invaluable in shaping his mentality.
Upcoming Matches & National Team Prospects
India will face Thailand on June 4 before taking on Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier on June 10. Bhat hopes to make his debut and score for the country, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
For more updates on Indian football and rising stars, stay tuned! 🚀
