GSA pick 17 footballers for training in Spain

Online Staff/ GUWAHATI, June 1: Seventeen young footballers from Assam are set to take their game to the next level as the Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) has finalized their names for a 14-day advanced training programme at Marbella FC in Spain. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Gauhati Town Club auditorium on Sunday.
The players were handpicked from a group of 72 shortlisted candidates during a rigorous final selection camp that concluded on Saturday at the SAI Training Ground. The trials, held from May 26, were overseen by none other than former India captain and AFC Pro Licence coach, Renedy Singh, who led the selection process. Former players Malang Ao, Debasish Roy and Baharul Islam were also involved in the selection process during the various round of Bordoloi Trophy.
Speaking at the event, GSA Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the association’s commitment to transparency. “We brought in Renedy Singh to maintain a neutral and merit-based selection system. His experience and judgment have been immensely valuable,” he said.
Renedy Singh admitted that narrowing down the list to just 17 players wasn’t easy. “There was no shortage of talent. I’ve tried to be honest and objective. The potential I saw in these youngsters was inspiring, and with GSA’s backing, they can definitely go far,” he remarked.
This selection was part of GSA’s wider effort to identify top U-19 talent across Assam. The process kicked off with the historic Bordoloi Trophy tournament, from which 72 players were chosen for the final screening camp.
Adding to the significance of this initiative, GSA has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the sports management firm Best of You. Through this collaboration, the selected players will gain access to elite coaching and international exposure at Marbella FC, a club noted for its state-of-the-art facilities and professional training environment.
As per the GSA, the 17 players will leave for Spain in the third week of July and the estimated cost of this initiative is approximately Rs 93 lakh.
GSA’s president Paresh Chandra Das and football secretary L. Pranab Singh were also present at the briefing.
Selected players: Samujjal Boruah (Goalkeeper), Jurin Bordoloi (Stopper), Chandan Yadav (Stopper), Askhat Agam Acharjya (Mid Fielder), Biman Doley (Mid Fielder), Sasang Hengna (Mid Fielder), Azinur Rahman (Mid Fielder), Ripan Arya (Mid Fielder), Bibika Rabha (Mid Fielder), Ripu Narzary (Mid Fielder), Sarnong Teron (Goalkeeper), Roshan Dungdung (Striker), Jyotish Boro (Left Back), Hiteswar Kaman (Left Back), Sujit Koch (Right Wing), Fungbill Basumatary (Right Wing), Sawrav Kr. Dey (Defender).