Odisha FC has announced that Odia youngster Shubham Sarangi will continue being a part of the team till 2023. The 19-year-old defender signed the extension of his contract with the Bhubaneswar-based ISL club today.

Speaking on the development, club president Rohan Sharma said, “Shubham came to this club when he was 17. We loved his talent so he was the first boy we sent to Aspire Academy. He showed maturity in believing in us and waiting on the bench for a chance to shine.”

This year he showed what a great talent he is. But this is just his first step. I can’t wait for him to grow and develop into the man and player I know he can be. I hope he inspires the kids of Odisha that with hard work and patience you can reach your dreams."

Expressing his delight, Shubham said, "I am very happy that I will be continuing to play for Odisha FC for three more years. I have enjoyed a lot while playing in front of the home crowd at the Kalinga Stadium and will look forward to the same in my upcoming days with OFC."

"I am extremely thankful to the club management for their continuous support and would want to make the club and the state proud with a good show on the ground," the youngster added.

An aggressive attacking midfielder, Shubham Sarangi’s big break came when he appeared for trials for the Delhi team in the U-14 National Championships. After impressing at the Nationals in Kalyani, he was promptly picked up by the AIFF Elite Academy.

Sarangi attended the preparatory camp before the U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017 but could not make the cut eventually. However, his talents did not go unnoticed as he was signed up by Delhi Dynamos FC for the Hero ISL 2018-19. He made nine appearances for the Dynamos last term and 17 for Odisha FC in 2019-20.