Two young footballers from Odisha have been selected to join the National Camp as part of preparation for the AFC U-16 Championship, scheduled to be held next year. The two Odisha players are: Ranjan Soren of Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar and Aula Siba Prasad of Phulbani Sports Hostel.

After the COVID-19 induced Lockdown, the India U-16 Boys National Team is all set to return to training for the first time in Goa on November 20. Led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, a total of 30 players have been called up for the camp, which is set to be held at the AIFF Academy in Goa.

While the players and staff are to converge in Goa on November 20, outdoor training activities will only resume on November 30, keeping the COVID-safety procedures in mind. Players need to prepare for the AFC U-16 Championship, which is considered to be very important because it is a stepping stone to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ranjan Soren (15) and his elder brother Sunil Soren (16) have become the youngest and first players from Odisha to sign a five-year professional contract with Punjab FC. According to information give to media by their coach Jayadev Mahapatra, mid-fielder Sunil has already compled one year at Punjab FC.

In 2017, Sunil and his younger brother Ranjan participated in the Youth I-League through Baichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) and later in the Reliance Cup. Sons of Rama Chandra Soren, who works as a mason, Sunil and Ranjan were felicitated by Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera today.

PLAYERS SELECTED FOR INDIA U16 CAMP:
Goalkeepers: Aman Kumar Sahani, Som Kumar, Mohit Singh Dhami, Lionel Daryl Rymmei, Ishan Gyan.
Defenders: Paogoumang Singson, Shameek Caine Vas, Amandeep, Pritam Meetei Sorokhaibam, Anish Mazumder, Halen Nongtdu, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Chaman, Kartik Choudhary.
Mid-fielders: Sibajit Singh Leimapokpam, Maheson Singh Tongbram, Aula Siba Prasad, Taison Singh Loitongbam, Yoihenba Meitei Sukham, Emboklang Nongkhlaw, Ranjan Soren, Renedy Meitei Yumnam, Ebindas Yesudasan, Satvik Sharma.
Forwards: Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Himanshu Jangra, Sridarth Nongmeikapam, Shubho Paul, Isac Zomuanpuia.
Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
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PHOTO: Undated file photo of Odisha player Ranjan Soren.