PPFCA cadets Dimple and Ashique called up for India Under-19 camp

The players include left-back Dimple Bhagat and creative midfielder Md. Ashique Kuruniyan. The duo formed an important part of the Pune FC U-19 squad that finished as runners up in the recently concluded Under-19 I-League in Pune.

The selection for the national camp is a first ever for both players at any level and comes in their very first year at the PPFCA.

Giving his thoughts, Pune FC U-19 Coach Naushad Moosa said, “This is a proud moment for the PPFCA. However, getting called up for the camp is the first step and both the players now need to work even harder than before. I wish them best for their future and hope they do Pune FC proud.”

Seventeen-year-old Dimple hails from Jammu and was a part of the Under-19 squad that played in various competitions this season like Gorkha Gold Cup in Darjeeling, Bordoloi Trophy in Guwahati, DSK Cup in Pune, Kalinga Cup in Cuttack, Kalliyath Haji Memorial in Tirur apart from the U19 I-League and the local PDFA League.

The attack minded left-back also scored 3 goals in the recently concluded U19 I-League which included a remarkable freekick against AIFF Regional Academy.

Meanwhile, Malappuram-born Ashique (18 years) was also part of the squad that played in the Kalliyath Haji Memorial in Tirur and the U19 I-League apart from the local PDFA League. The lanky attacker scored twice in the final stages of the U19 I-League.

The two-week camp which begins in Goa on 24th May, 2015 will be held under newly-appointed India Under-19 Coach Lee Johnson. The Englishman was present at the DSK Football Field for the final stages of the U19 I-League to scout talent and is also a part of the senior national team set up.