Kamptee footballer Asheer called for maiden India camp

 By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Sept 20, 2025

ASHEER Akhtar is just a step away from fulfilling his dream of playing for the Indian football team.

The ‘Rock’ NorthEast United Football Club defender, who hails from Kamptee in Nagpur, has been summoned for the national football camp, to be conducted by head coach Khalid Jamil, for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore.

“In addition to the 30-member probables, Brandon Fernandes and Asheer Akhtar have been called up to the national camp,” the All India Football Federation (AIFF) posted on ‘X’ on Friday.

The national team’s preparatory camp is scheduled to begin in Bengaluru from Saturday.

Kamptee’s Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, has been knocking Indian team’s doors for quite some time. He has performed as per the expectations of the selectors.

North East United FC, of which Asheer is an integral part, has recently retained the prestigious Durand Cup winning it for the second time.

The club was elated at Asheer’s call-up for camp.

“National duty-bound. Our defensive Rock, Asheer Akhtar, is called-up for Indian senior men’s team camp for the October FIFA International Window. We’re super proud of you Asheer!!!’, the club posted congratulatory message on Instagram along with the footballer’s photo. 

After that title win, Asheer had said he is working hard to make it to Blue Tigers’ squad. “I want to wear India Blue. That is my ultimate dream and I am working hard to fulfil it,” Asheer had told ‘The Hitavada’ after lifting the Durand Cup.

With his inclusion in probables for the match against Singapore, Asheer is hoping to get into the final team. “Yes, I am a step away from fulfilling my dream. I will work much harder to achieve the feat,” Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ from Bengaluru on Friday evening.

“I was waiting for this day for a long time. My hard work has been noticed. But I will have to put in more effort to make it to the final team,” said Asheer, who was enjoying a happy evening with his wife and son at his home in Guwahati when he received the call from AIFF.

“It will be a great learning experience during the camp. All the top footballers of the country will be there and I will get a lot to learn from them,” said Asheer who started his football career with MM Rabbani school and club.

An Indian team will be picked from this camp which will play two 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers final round against Singapore (Oct 9) at the National Stadium and (Oct 14) at JN Stadium in Margao, Goa.