Ankit Sharma donning the HAL jersey in the last I League
Ankit Sharma, who had played in last I league for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC (HAL), has signed a professional contract with Spanish club – Club Deportivo San Cristobal Football Club. The club officials saw him playing in I League and called him to Spain in July,2011, where he impressed them to finally get a confirmation of his inclusion in the club roster on 26th September, 2011. This Madrid based club will officially present him to their fans on 20th October, 2011.
This 20 year old Dehlite who has represented Indian youth teams of u-14, u-17 & u-19 is one of the most versatile players around. Although he played for HAL as an winger, he has also played in junior teams as an striker and even as an goalkeeper till u-17 level. He joined HAL in the second half of the last season and quickly made into the first squad. He gave impressive performances in few games, however, injuries kept plaguing him which affected his performances. Ankit has won accolades in past by being the top scorer in u19 national championship held at Bhilai (45th BC Roy Football championships, 2008-09).
The club logo
His new club, Club Deportivo San Cristobal Football Club, although itself is not a high profile club is known to produce good footballers, who have made their names in Spanish football. C.D San Cristobal FC (also called C.D San Cristobal De Los Angeles) was founded in 1966 by merging several local teams from Madrid. They now play in Group 3 of Primera Aficionados in the Community of Madrid, which is level 6 in Spanish football pyramid. Although it doesn’t sound ambitious, it must be remembered that this club acts as nursery for feeding the high profile clubs with promising footballers. This club has a history of producing good players. Currently they have nearly 200 people working and having teams comprising of many age groups, something even a top tier Indian club lacks. They have produced many players who play for top clubs in La Liga and Spanish 2nd and 3rd division teams. One of the most celebrated cadets from this club is none other than the famous Spanish striker Raul! Yes the same Raul who was Real Madrid’s record goalscorer and now plays for Schalke 04. So, Ankit definitely is in good hands now, if he keeps on his hard work, then who knows, maybe we can one day see him in top Spanish clubs too!
Real Madrid sensation Raul started playing for C.D San Cristobal FC
San Cristobal club president Mr. Peter I. Iniesta Albares has expressed his happiness in including Ankit in the club for the season of 2011-12. Indian football lovers will definitely keep an watch on him, with fingers crossed. This news coupled with the fact that earlier this month, Varin Mehta got chance to play for a Belgian club has definitely reinforced the belief that Indian players can also make their way to European football. We just hope the trend continues.
congratsAnkit!……………
Can you help my brother to make his dream true by helping him part of the football game; he had played the game upto district level in Bihar. He is 18 yrs old at present. If it is possible can you pl. call me on 9555283672. I’m Alok.
feeling so proud! indian players are increasing their level day by day… that day is not far when indians will be playing all over europe.. *fingers crossed*! m/
this is a good chance for Ankit by playing in a competitive and regular semi-professional level, it will help him become a better player and perhaps attract the eyes of more mainstream clubs higher up the league pyramids.
the more Indian and other South Asian players get deals abroad in European lower leagues, the better! All the best to Ankit.
congratsAnkit!……………
Can you help my brother to make his dream true by helping him part of the football game; he had played the game upto district level in Bihar. He is 18 yrs old at present. If it is possible can you pl. call me on 9555283672. I’m Alok.
yes he passed out from our school..and today he played with us!!!
congratulations on ur success,may god bless u and ur game,and u may play for the biggest club one day
feeling so proud! indian players are increasing their level day by day… that day is not far when indians will be playing all over europe.. *fingers crossed*! m/
this is a good chance for Ankit by playing in a competitive and regular semi-professional level, it will help him become a better player and perhaps attract the eyes of more mainstream clubs higher up the league pyramids.
the more Indian and other South Asian players get deals abroad in European lower leagues, the better! All the best to Ankit.
All the best buddy 🙂
Best Of Luck Ankit
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing this 🙂