Sudeva Delhi’s Chandan aims for the top after learning curve in maiden Hero I-League season

Sudeva Delhi FC concluded their Hero I-League campaign with a 1-3 loss against Aizawl FC and although it would go down as an underwhelming one for the side from the capital, certain bright spots did appear, one of them being center-back Nishchal Chandan.
The towering lad from Chandigarh started his journey with the club in the Delhi Senior Division as he couldn’t be registered until the January transfer window. He was made captain of the reserve side which finished the campaign with the most clean sheets and the least goals conceded.
Chandan carried that form over into the Hero I-League season, making 14 appearances in his first-ever season at this level, helping Sudeva Delhi keep 5 clean sheets in the process.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful. Having spent around five years with Minerva Academy, it was not something that I thought of when I was there. But obviously, it’s a dream for every footballer to play at the highest level and that has exactly been my aim as well. I’m very happy to be where I am today and obviously, I want to develop further and achieve more in life,” he said.
For a young center-back coming through the ranks, there is not much room for error but Chandan had the perfect mentor in former Indian international Mehrajuddin Wadoo, his head coach at Sudeva Delhi FC.
“He was a great defender in his time so learning under his guidance has been a great thing. He has been very helpful in bringing me up to a new level and learning from his experience has been wonderful,” he said.
When it comes to center-backs, India is not blessed with as many options as they are in others and the mohawk-sporting Chandan wants to change that trend.
“I think center-back is one of the most important positions on the field as it is like the heart of the team. I like playing in that position because I think I do well under pressure and having that pressure of playing against the best of foreigners is a great feeling for me personally. Obviously, I want to make it big in this game and I want to show that Indians are no less than foreigners in any position wherever they play,” he asserted.
Keeping goals out is part of his daily bread and butter, but the 22-year-old also scored his first senior goal for the club in a 1-2 loss against Aizawl FC.
“The feeling was absolutely ecstatic. I was really very happy to get my name on the scoresheet. Although it would have been better if we would have ended on a winning note. But still, I was very happy for my first professional goal at this level and I hope that I’ll be having some more of them by the end of the journey,” concluded Chandan.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Late comeback see Bank of India edge RBI 2-1
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Corporate League
Mumbai Corporate League Begins: Milton Fernando & Joe Miranda Grace the Opener
The Mumbai Corporate League 2024-25 season commenced on Monday with Football Icon Milton Fernando and MYJ FC owner Joe Miranda gracing the occasion The clash saw last season’s Mumbai Super…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League Championship Group Kicks Off with Mumbay FC, Hope United Victory
The Mumbai Premier League Championship Group stage began with a statement victory for Mumbay FC while Hope United secured a close 1-0 win New entrant Mumbay FC secured a commanding…
ISL matches happening in Shillong will have a positive impact on Meghalaya’s footballing culture: Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte
Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte is all set and geared up to feature in the Indian Super League (ISL)’s debut in Meghalaya with NorthEast United FC hosting the Islanders…
Dreams Sports Championship: RFYC to lock horns with Brothers SA in regional final
Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Brothers Sports Association setup final clash in Mumbai leg of Dreams Sports Championship Mumbai, February 05, 2025: The Reliance Foundation Young Champs continued their brilliant run…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant qualify for ISL 2024-25 playoffs with 3-0 triumph against Punjab FC
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Punjab FC by 3-0 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season tonight. The Mariners became the…
Mumbai Super League: Mumbai Ultras & Waves FC secure crucial wins to shake up the standings
On Day 2 of the Mumbai Super League final round, Mumbai Ultras and Waves FC picked up vital victories against Brothers WA and Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP), respectively, setting the…
Mumbai Super League-Final Round: Nihal Colaco Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick for MSP while Waves & Brothers Drew
The Mumbai Super League Final Round got underway with contrasting results in both fixtures. Nihal Colaco’s second half hat-Trick helps MSP with 3-0 win while Waves & Brothers settle for a draw
Reliance Foundation Young Champs crowned regional champions with 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association
Reliance Foundation Young Champs grabbed an impressive 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association in the regional final of Dream Sports Championship’s Mumbai leg at the Cooperage Football Stadium on Friday….
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…