Ryan Williams Becomes Indian Citizen: Chhetri Hands Passport as Bengaluru FC Star Joins National Team Setup

New Delhi (India) November 7: In a landmark event, former Australian international player Ryan Williams has been granted citizenship of India and sports in the country is set for a new beginning. 

Chhetri’s Fun “Citizenship Test” Wins Hearts Online

The citizenship handover ceremony at Bengaluru FC’s training ground also featured the Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, who is reported to have handed Williams his new Indian passport – a heartwarming video of which was shared across social media.

There were laughs and warm moments too, as Chhetri tested Williams’s knowledge of Indian street food and pop culture in an off-the-cuff “citizenship test”. The winger passed all the tests with flying colours and cheekily referred to himself as “one of their own” which made the rest of squad and fans applause.

Boost for India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Preparations

Williams’ shift of affiliation to India is the first major tangible success of the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) quest to make use of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in their national teams. The 30-year-old is eligible through his mother’s Anglo-Indian lineage, a qualification that was backed wholeheartedly by Suresh's family, Bengaluru FC management and the Karnataka State Football Association. Final approvals were obtained from the ministerial level in New Delhi.

Family Roots in Mumbai Pave Way for Indian Citizenship

Williams' mother is from Mumbai and was born into an Anglo-Indian family. His twin brother Aryn has also played in India with clubs such as NEROCA FC.

In February, he expressed his interest in taking Indian citizenship which may require him to give up his Australian passport. He recently received his Indian passport. Chhetri made Chaubey, the AIFF president aware of it.

Williams, who was born in Sydney and has previously played for Australia at various youth levels, as well as making one senior appearance in 2019, will be able to make the change under FIFA regulations. His inclusion is set to bolster head coach Khalid Jamil’s attacking resources as he prepares his squad for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

From Australia to Bengaluru: Williams’ Football Journey

Williams has enjoyed a career on the other side of the globe – from making his first steps at ECU Joondalup in Australia to a ten-year stint at English clubs such as Fulham, Portsmouth, Oxford United and Rotherham United. He returned in 2022 to play for Perth Glory and in 2023 joined Bengaluru FC. He has since developed into a crucial player for the club, netting 13 goals and providing five assists in 46 appearances; the strike pair of Chhetri and Miku is already ominous.

Midfielder Williams, 31 and born in Perth, also appeared at youth levels for the U-20 and U-23 Australia teams. He also played for the senior team as a half-time substitute in a friendly in 2019, against South Korea.

He has also played English clubs Fulham and Portsmouth. He signed with Indian club Bengaluru FC in 2023.