Bijoy Varghese's Inspiring Journey to National Football Team
From Sandy Shores to National Recognition
Bijoy Varghese's path to receiving his first call-up for the national football team is rooted not in stadiums, but on the sandy beaches of his hometown, Pulluvila in Trivandrum. "Growing up near the coast, I began playing football on the sand at a young age," he recalls. Now, at 26, he finds himself training with the Blue Tigers in Kerala, a poetic twist to his journey. As a centre-back for Punjab FC, Bijoy has earned a spot in India's 23-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, set to take place against Hong Kong on March 31 in Kochi. "This is my first national team call-up at any level, and I have much to learn from this experience," he shares.
For any athlete, a first call-up is a pivotal moment, but for Bijoy, it is layered with personal significance. "Having my first camp in Kerala is incredibly special. My family has never witnessed me play professionally, so it would mean the world to them if I get the chance to step onto the field," he expresses.
Reflecting on his journey, Bijoy recounts how he evolved from a child playing on the beach to a national-level player. "Once I started school, I learned the fundamentals of the game on proper fields, guided by various coaches who imparted their knowledge to me," he explains. The real turning point came during his teenage years when he participated in the youth league for Kovalam FC, which opened doors to the professional realm.
His time at the Sports Authority of India in Thiruvananthapuram marked a significant shift towards professionalism. "At SAI, I honed my skills and discipline. After that, I joined college, but when I received a trial invitation from East Bengal FC, I decided to pursue football full-time, leaving college behind," he states.
Bijoy's career took off when he signed with Kerala Blasters for the 2021-22 season, where he helped the team reach the ISL cup finals. He then played for I-League side Inter Kashi from 2023 to 2025, contributing to their championship victory last season. The 2025-26 season brought a new opportunity with Punjab FC, where his coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, played a crucial role in his development. "He always believed I would soon debut for the national team, and I am grateful for his support," Bijoy says.
The moment he learned of his selection for the national camp was surreal. "I was in my room when I received a call from coach Mahesh Gawali. Initially, I thought it was a prank, but then I realized it was real. I had a video call with coaches Khalid and Mahesh, who informed me of my selection. I immediately shared the news with my family, and they were overjoyed," he recalls.
Now, Bijoy is focused on making the most of every training session in the national jersey, eagerly anticipating the match on Tuesday night. "If I get to debut, it would be the greatest gift for my family," he says. "The support from my fellow Keralites means everything to me. If I play, I will give my all, and their presence will motivate us even more," Bijoy concluded.