Pranjal Bhumij, one of the very few footballers from Assam to play in the Indian Super League (ISL), is gearing up to give his best for the coming season.
Pranjal, who represents Mumbai City FC, is mostly remembered for his stunner against Kerala Blasters to equal the score in the 93rd minute in 2018.
“I am ready to give my best. When I will get the opportunity I’m ready to deliver for my team. I’m working hard on my game and fitness. We are eagerly waiting for the season to start,” Pranjal told The News Mill before a training session in Goa.
Pranjal, who hails from a remote village in Assam’s Sivasagar, thinks that playing and training alongside with some of the big names at Mumbai City FC has helped him to grow in experience which would be needed at the highest level.
“It has been a great learning experience. It’s always an advantage to be surrounded by a bunch of highly professional guys. I’m lucky to be here. I have grown in confidence and my game too has improved,” the 21-year-old reckoned.
Pranjal also dreams to don the India jersey soon and also nurtures the hope to play for foreign clubs. “Like every footballer, I too dream of playing for India someday soon and if I can play well, hopefully I also would like to play for some foreign clubs,” he added.
As not many players from Assam compared to Mizoram or Manipur play in the ISL or I-League, Pranjal says that Assam need to have at least two clubs to play in the I-League so that scene improves.
“The football scene has improved but much needed to be done. There are talents but they need a platform to showcase their talents. I think at least two I-League clubs from the state would bridge the gap. It will also increase a level of competitiveness,” he added.
Pranjal further feels that as most of the football players come from very humble background and they cannot go outside for better training facilities of their own, these clubs will help them to grow.
Apart from Pranjal, Halicharan Narzaray plays for Hyderabad FC and Vinit Rai and Baoringdao Bodo for Odisha FC. And for the Guwahati-based NorthEast United FC Rakesh Pradhan, Nabin Rabha and Nikhil Deka are from Assam.
