Suhail Ahmad Bhat: From Ball Boy to National Football Star

A Remarkable Journey in Football

Suhail Ahmad Bhat's ascent from a local football ground in Srinagar to training with India's national team is a tale of dedication and emerging talent. Once a ball boy distributing footballs to renowned players, Bhat now shares the field with some of India's top athletes, including captain Sunil Chhetri.

As he gears up for upcoming international fixtures, Bhat is on the verge of becoming the fifth player from Jammu and Kashmir to wear the national jersey, a testament to his commitment and the burgeoning football scene in the region.

Nostalgic Beginnings on the Field

At just 20 years old, Suhail Ahmad Bhat reminisces about his time as a ball boy during a 2019 exhibition match between an Indian XI and the Jammu and Kashmir All Stars at the TRC ground in Srinagar. This match featured Indian football legends like Bhaichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh.

Bhat recalls, "I was positioned behind Amrinder (Singh) paaji's goalpost. Now I'm training with him on the same pitch." Transitioning from handing balls to the goalkeeper to scoring against him during practice marks a significant shift in his journey.

Currently, Bhat is training in Pathum Thani, near Bangkok, as part of the Indian national team preparing for an international friendly against Thailand. Following this, the team will head to Kowloon for an AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10.

If selected for these matches, Bhat would join the ranks of only four other footballers from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India at the senior level, including Abdul Majeed Kakroo, Mushir Ahmed, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, and Danish Farooq Bhat.

Training Alongside Sunil Chhetri

For Bhat, being part of the same squad as Indian captain Sunil Chhetri is a dream realized. He was merely two months old when Chhetri made his debut in 2005, and he describes this experience as "surreal."

Bhat states, "Now I'm in the same team as Chhetri bhai. His two-decade career and mentality inspire me greatly as a young player."

While Cristiano Ronaldo serves as Bhat's football idol for his enduring skill, it is Chhetri's mentorship that drives him daily. Bhat explains, "Ronaldo is an inspiration because he's still going strong at 41, but Chhetri bhai talks to me, teaches me. He inspires me on and off the pitch, and I see it as a competition to match his dedication."

A Promising Future Ahead

Bhat's journey through the youth ranks—U16, U19, and U23—has culminated in his inclusion in the senior national team. He gained international recognition by being featured in The Guardian's 2022 Next Generation list, which highlights the top 60 young talents in global football.

He shares, "All my coaches at U16, U19, and U23 levels encouraged me to aim for the senior team. This is the next step, and I want to continue growing. My mentality is my greatest asset; if I miss a shot, I keep trying without stopping."

Suhail Ahmad Bhat's evolution from a ball boy to a promising national player serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers from Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.