Dilan Kumar Markandeya.

Indian players are changing the face of football in UK. Due to his hard work and skill many football clubs have expressed their confidence in him. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City have signed players with Indian background. Players like Michael Chopra and Yan Dhanda have played in the elite league.

Among the rising stars is Dilan Kumar Markandey, who plays for Scottish club Aberdeen. Another footballer is Arjan Raikhi, who is a midfielder at Premier League club Aston Villa. Dilhan was involved in Tottenham Hotspur in 2021. In 2022 he joined Blackburn Rovers. He made his debut in October last year. He became the first South Asian player to play a competitive match for the club.

Last year, the National Footballers’ Association launched the Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme, with a host of experienced professional players mentoring youngsters, to nurture talent and inspire the next generation. Dilan says, ‘Many people see hope through me. My father inspired me to pursue sports. I fell asleep in the car when I went to trial for Tottenham.

Told my father that I did not want to go, but he pulled me out of the car and sent me for trial. Sometimes I get messages from family members in India whom I have never met. They are happy to see me. English football expert Dustin George Miller says Dilhan is one of the most talented players in the Tottenham Under-23 team. He is an attacking midfielder. He played 21 out of 22 matches, which is more than any other player. He scored 11 goals.

Simran of Indian origin played for Liverpool
Simran Jhamat, 22, is a role model for the next generation of British South Asian female footballers. Apart from them, Kira Rai, Roop Kaur, Mili Chandrana are also there. Simran joined Liverpool in 2017 after playing for several local clubs. She is the first Indian to score a goal for the England Under-17 team. Chandrana, 26, plays for Manchester United. Currently she is playing on loan from Leoni Club.