Odisha FC sign former India international defender Narender Gahlot

Odisha FC after a lot of inactivity are finally making their moves in the transfer market as they have snapped up India international defender Narender Gahlot. The youngster recently won the Indian Super League winner’s Shield with Jamshedpur FC and delivered some praise worthy performances under the tutelage of head coach Owen Coyle.

The young defender has penned a three year contract with the Kalinga Warriors as they look to solidify their domestic options at the back till 2025. Narender’s ball playing skills are pretty good considering he was a midfielder when he started his career back in the Chandigarh Football Academy. Later he was turned inot a centre back and gradually he excelled in that role.

He featured for the Indian Arrows and consistent performances for All Indian Football Federation (AIFF)’s developmental team meant that he attracted several eyeballs. He showed maturity beyond his years and was decent with the ball at his feet as well. Therefore many clubs were interested in the youngster.

However he was picked by Jamshedpur FC and made his debut in the Indian Super League in the 2019-20 season. He also represented the Indian national team in the 2019 Intercontinental Cup as head coach Igor Stimac saw a lot of talent in him and decided to fast track on his potential by rewarding him with the national jersey.

Narender did not disappoint one bit in the opportunities he got. In fact he scored a goal against Syria in 2019 Intercontinental Cup at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. The game finished 1-1 and he earned the ‘Man of the match’ award. He also became the first goalscorer for India who is born in the 21st century.

After making 36 appearances for Jamshedpur FC, Narender has done reasonably well during his stay. He was often ignored as coaches preferred a two foreigner defensive setup. But whenever he has featured he tried to do his best. He was even played out of position on the flanks and he did a decent job there as well.

Before becoming a footballer, the youngster dreamt of picking up the bat. “During my childhood, cricket was all I knew because of my uncle. Everyone in my family always wanted me to be an expert in any sport though. After one of my friends introduced me to football, my goal changed.

“I went from playing for IYSA (India Youth Soccer Association) academy in New Delhi to joining Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA) within two-three years,” says Gahlot.

He highlights how seniors from the Indian team like Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan have always shown their support to him and given him suggestions to improve on areas of his game. “I also played for Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Dehradun and during my time there, I got selected for the India U-16 squad in 2016. Four years later, I am still learning — from the best now. Sunil-Bhai always shares his valuable experience in the national camp, and Jhingan-Paaji shows me how to be effectively aggressive with my defending,” he concluded.