ISL 2022-23: Odisha FC sign defender Narender Gahlot from Jamshedpur FC

Odisha FC has announced the signing of defender Narender Gahlot from Jamshedpur ahead of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 season, the club announced on Wednesday on their social media handles. The 21-year-old from Delhi has signed a three-year contract with the club, which will keep him on the team until 2025.

Gahlot made 15 appearances for Jamshedpur FC in which he played a total of 844 minutes. The youngster made 33 clearances, 26 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 10 blocks in the previous eighth edition of the tournament. In total, the youngster played a total of 36 matches for Jamshedpur FC.

This will be the fourth season in Hero ISL for Narender Gahlot and he has risen through the ranks in the recent past.

Meanwhile, Gahlot was picked by Indian men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac for the Hero Intercontinental Cup held in 2019. He scored his maiden goal for the Blue Tigers at EKA Arena, Ahmedabad in his second game against Syria.

“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.

“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.”

Club President, Raj Athwal added, ‘Narender brings a lot of quality and a winning mentality to our backline. As a young center-back, he has a lot of potential and we hope that he plays his best football for Odisha FC. We would like to welcome Narender to the Juggernauts!”, “description”.

On the other hand, Odisha FC finished at seventh position in Hero ISL 2021-22 standings with six wins and a total of 23 points in their 20 league stage matches. Thus, they failed to qualify for the semifinal stages and they will be determined to turn the tables in the next season.