Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh’s 17-year-old football prodigy Gyamar Nikum has been called by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the India U-20 training camp which is set to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from June 23 next.
The national training camp is being held in preparation and selection of football players for the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship scheduled for July 25 to August 05 and also the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers which is slated for September in Iraq.
Nikum’s selection for the national football camp comes after a blazing performance in his debut season with Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC) in the Hero Indian Super League.
A native of Takey Village in Arunachal’s Kurung Kumey district, the youngster had left a lasting impression after he featured in 11 of Rajasthan United’s 14 games this season.
Also Read: National Football Championship: Arunachal beats Chhattisgarh 1-0 to enter semis
Speaking to NewsFy about his selection, Nikum said he is super excited for the camp.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I have been told that around 50 footballers from across the country would be taking part in the trials out of which 35 would be eventually selected for the Indian team. So I will try to give my best and make my team and state proud,” Nikum said.
Touted as one of the “brightest jewels” of RUFC, Nikum had scripted history last year by becoming one the youngest players in the country to feature in the Hero I-League Qualifiers.
Also read: Arunachal teen shoots to I-League fame
Nikum would be leaving for the camp on June 20.
