NARENDER GAHLOT

Left Pic: Narender in the Indian Under 17 squad; first from left (Pic courtesy AIFF).
Right Pic: In the IYSA-Josh Academy Delhi Youth League squad; second row, third from left.

Narender was a Government School student from outer Delhi when he came to train at the Academy. He would travel for an hour by bus each way. At IYSA-Josh he got his first taste of playing and training with a team. He played as a Center Defense in the Delhi Youth League (DYL) for two seasons before moving to CFA, a residential Govt. Academy in Chandigarh and then to Minerva FC to play in the AIFF U15 Youth League.

He was picked for the India Under 17 National team squad. However, an injury ruled him out of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in 2017. Missing the World Cup at home was big blow, but he recovered to play for the Indian Arrows (India’s development team) in the I-League, the India U23 team and made a debut with the Sr. National Team in 2019.

Update 2019: Narender signs for Jamshedpur FC in the ISL

Center Pic: Ashutosh (right) with Shailesh (center) and Pawan (left)

ASHUTOSH THAPLIYAL, SAILESH MAURA, PAWAN JOSHI

Ashutosh, Shailesh and Pawan (left) were part the Academy team that won the Delhi Youth League (DYL) Under 19 Division for two consecutive seasons.

Ashutosh joined as a 13 year old in 2010 and developed in the Academy for a number of years till the age of 18. He played in the center of midfield. What he lacked in physique he made up for with determination and creativity.

Ashutosh and Pawan in midfield, Sailesh, in central defense along with the likes of Amit Bist, Ankit Joseph, Sikander, Kristofer, Saanidhya Rawat, Anup Kerkatta, Sahil Singh, who all went onto play for clubs in Delhi; were part of a formidable U19 team that won 23 out of 27 competitive matches (Drawing 3, Losing 1) in two years of the DYL.

All 3 graduated from IYSA and went on to play for Hindustan FC in the I-League 2nd Division and and for Delhi in the Santosh Trophy.

Update 2019: Ashutosh, Sailesh and Pawan are currently registered with Sudeva FC for the I-League, 2nd Division in 2019-20.

AMIT BISHT

“When I came to IYSA I did not think I could play for the Delhi state team. We became Delhi Youth League champions twice and I played for Delhi state and got selected to the Mohun Bagan Academy. At IYSA my game changed completely from kicking the ball in the air to passing the ball on the ground.

I would train on off days. My father who works in the Airport tarmac, did not think I could achieve so much. They are very proud and remind me it is due to my hard work and determination which I need to continue to reach the top level.”

2019: Amit was Captain of Churchill Brother Under 20 team. Following that he returned to Delhi and is playing for a club in the Delhi Soccer League A division and is working as a Asst. Coach at IYSA.

RISHAB GIRI

“I was 10 years old when I came to IYSA. I did not have football boots and played bare feet. IYSA gave me boots and kit and I trained here for 6 years and achieved lots of things like AIFF Under 15 Youth league. IYSA gave me passion to be professional footballer. Now, I have got selected to Sudeva residential football academy.

I am achieving my dreams. My father passed away a few years ago. My mother who works in a saree shop is very proud of me.”

2019: Rishab transferred to Sudeva FC and is playing in the AIFF U18 Youth League.