AIFF initiates long-term U-23 Plan with Parallel National Camps with Senior Team in Kolkata

by Chittu Shetty May 22, 2025

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is all set to lay out a clear long-term vision for the development of young talent, with a significant step being the commencement of a preparatory camp for the India U-23 Men’s National Team in Kolkata.

The current U-23 camp, now under Naushad Moosa’s guidance, is not an isolated event but a critical component of the AIFF’s overarching strategy for Indian football’s future. The federation aims to systematically develop players within the U-23 age group, preparing them for the rigors of international football and eventually integrating them into the senior team.

This focus on the U-23 bracket is designed to bridge the gap between youth development leagues and the senior national team, providing consistent exposure and training to promising prospects..

A key strategic move by the AIFF is the decision to run the U-23 camp concurrently and in close proximity to the Senior Men’s National Team’s preparatory camp. This parallel structure offers multiple benefits. It allows for seamless observation of U-23 players by the senior team’s coaching staff, facilitating easier integration and understanding of the senior team’s philosophy.

Before reducing the team to 29, the coaching staff evaluated more than 100 players. Several 2024–25 ISL regulars who accumulated over 900 minutes, including Nikhil Barla, Dippendu Biswas, Vibin Mohanan, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Korou Singh, and Mohammed Sanan, are on the 29-Member list.

Former U-16/U-19 standouts Sahil, Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Korou Singh, Manglethang Kipgen, and Parthib Sundar Gogoi are also on the team. Only Alan Saji (FC Goa) and Joseph Sunny (Hyderabad FC) are considered as central striker options, raising concerns about the lack of proven goal scorers.

India U-23 Men’s National Team Probables list

Goalkeepers: Sahil, Priyansh Dubey, Md Arbaz.

Defenders: Nikhil Barla, Dippendu Biswas, Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Clarence Fernandes, Sajad Hussain Parray, Muhammed Saheef, Subham Bhattacharya, Suman Dey.

Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Vinith Venkatesh, Harsh Patre, Rahul Raju, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Huidrom Thoi Singh.

Forwards: Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Md Suhail, Korou Singh Thingujam, Mohammed Sanan K, Alan Shaji, Joseph Sunny.

Head Coach: Naushad Moosa

Assistant Coach: Remus Damiao Gomes

Goalkeeping Coach: Dipankar Choudhary

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Diwakar Manohar

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