Ten years ago, Sirajuddin Ahmed brought his four-year-old son Rehan Ahmed to football coach Anil Acharya at the Football Training Academy in Sivasagar, Assam. Though initially told to wait a year, Rehan joined the academy at five. Now 14, Rehan has been chosen as one of 20 talented footballers for the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar, preparing for the 2027 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Coach Acharya recalls, “When I started coaching Rehan, I saw special talent in him. He was very lively and enterprising. I’m sure he’ll play for the Indian football team one day.”
Rising Through the Ranks
Rehan’s skills shone in the 2023 Pilik Chowdhury Inter-School Football Tournament, where his left-footed bicycle kick in the semi-final amazed fans across Assam and India. His impressive performance led to his selection for the Subrat Cup National Schools Tournament in Bangalore, where he caught the coaches’ attention.
In June 2024, Rehan was chosen for a 50-member camp, from which he was selected for the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy. His father, Sirajuddin, proudly told Awaz-the Voice, “Rehan has finally made it to the top of the list as a potential player for the Indian Under-17 squad.”
Family Support and Future Prospects
Sirajuddin credits Coach Acharya and Rehan’s mother, Arif Ahmed, for their son’s success. Despite pandemic-related training disruptions, Rehan continued to excel in school competitions. Sirajuddin expressed gratitude for Coach Acharya’s contribution to Rehan’s development.
Rehan is the only player from Assam among the 20 selected from the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir for the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy. His father confirmed that Rehan has safely reached the academy in Bhubaneswar, ready to begin the next chapter of his promising football career.
As Rehan Ahmed embarks on this new journey, he carries with him the hopes of his family, coach, and football enthusiasts across Assam, poised to make his mark in Indian football.
For detailed story, please visit: Awaz the voice
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