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Forward Ryan Williams, who has relinquished his Australian passport to go an Indian citizen, has joined the Khalid Jamil-coached nationalist squad campy successful Bengaluru, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said connected Sunday (November 9, 2025).
Born successful Perth, the 32-year-old entered the campy on with defender Jay Gupta.
"Forward Ryan Williams, and defender Jay Gupta person joined the elder men's nationalist squad campy successful Bengaluru," the AIFF posted connected X.
In what could people a caller opening for Indian football, the game's nationalist federation AIFF earlier this week roped successful 2 overseas-based players — Williams and Abneet Bharti — for the nationalist campy up of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh successful Dhaka connected November 18.
The determination reflects a bold displacement successful attack by the beleaguered federation, opening the doorway for Indian-origin players and those consenting to springiness up overseas citizenship to correspond the country.
The campy began successful Bengaluru connected Thursday (November 6, 2025).
Williams' Indian citizenship handover ceremonial was conducted by legendary Sunil Chhetri astatine the grooming installation of Bengaluru FC, the nine helium plays for successful the Indian Super League.
"Honoured to marque authoritative what's agelong felt true. Grateful for the love, the opportunity, and the consciousness of belonging this state has fixed me. As you tin see, the past circular of interviews was the hardest. India, I'm 1 of your own!" Williams had earlier said successful an Instagram post.
Williams' parent was calved successful Mumbai portion his begetter was calved successful Kent, England.
This is lone the 2nd lawsuit of an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) becoming eligible to play for the Indian shot team.
He has played for Australia U-20 and U-23 teams, and besides represented the elder squad arsenic a second-half substitute during a affable successful 2019, against South Korea.
He has besides represented English clubs Fulham and Portsmouth, earlier joining ISL broadside Bengaluru FC successful 2023.
Before Williams, Japan-born Izumi Arata took Indian citizenship to correspond India successful 2012, and featured successful 9 matches for the Blue Tigers successful 2013 and 2014.
