By Allycaral Desk
In a landmark development for Indian football, former Australian winger Ryan Williams has officially received Indian citizenship — a move that signals the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) intent to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the country’s football ecosystem.
The special moment unfolded in Bengaluru, where Williams’ Bengaluru FC teammate and Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri handed him his newly issued Indian passport. The heartwarming handover, filled with smiles and camaraderie, was captured on camera and quickly went viral across social media.
Ryan Williams, who has previously played in the English Championship and the A-League, joined Bengaluru FC earlier this year. His decision to take up Indian citizenship has been widely lauded by fans and sports experts as a potential game-changer for Indian football, both in terms of global exposure and skill development.
Speaking about the milestone, Williams expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m proud to call India my home. This country has given me so much, and I’m excited to give back on the field wearing the Indian colours.”
With this step, the AIFF is moving closer to integrating talented players of Indian origin and OCI holders into the national setup — a long-discussed reform that could elevate India’s footballing standards on the global stage.
The handover by Sunil Chhetri, India’s most celebrated footballer, symbolized the passing of both pride and responsibility. As fans celebrated online, it became clear that this moment was not just about citizenship — but about belonging, unity, and a bold vision for India’s sporting future.
Stay tuned to allycaral.com for more updates on Indian sports, lifestyle, and inspiring stories that connect the globe. 🌍⚽
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