Karnataka's Rising Stars: FC Bengaluru United Academy Players set to shine at Khelo India Youth Games

Three talented young footballers from the FCBU-ran UPFS will represent Karnataka in the Khelo India Youth Games.

Three players from the FC Bengaluru United Academy, namely Prateek Kashyap, Aditya Kalasur, and Ishan Raghunanda will aim to make the state of Karnataka proud in the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games. Football in the Youth Games began on 1st February and will go on till 10th February at the Emerald Heights Football Ground. Karnataka are currently third in the medal tally, behind Haryana and Maharashtra.

Skillful youngsters making an indelible mark

The three rising stars from the FC Bengaluru United academy - Prateek Kashyap, Ishaan Raghunanda, and Aditya Kalasur - have been honing their skills at the UPFS and are all set to shine in what is the largest sports initiative for the youth in India.

Prateek Kashyap, the captain of the FCBU U-18 team, has been training at the UPFS since 2021. Technically and tactically sound, his versatility and dependability have made him the team’s fulcrum. A solid defensive midfielder, Prateek leads by example. Unafraid of taking on a challenge, this confident youngster is a great source of motivation for his teammates. Prateek believes FCBU has played a key role in driving his footballing journey. “FCBU has helped me in my team building and communication skills by giving me the opportunity to be the captain of the team. I am very thankful for this as it has helped me shape my in-game philosophy and taught me to be a better leader”.

Aditya Kalasur is a formidable attacking midfielder and he stands out for his calmness on the ball and excellent vision. He is a natural leader on the pitch and sets an example to his teammates with his fitness levels and commitment to personal growth. He lauded the FCBU training program, “FCBU has helped me improve my game significantly mainly because of the intensity levels of training sessions and the quality of coaching.”

Ishaan Raghunanda is an aggressive attacking player who has grown tremendously in recent years to become a key member of the team. Ishaan's pace and skill make him a dangerous winger who can play on either flank. According to Ishaan, the key to his rapid development has been training under the right coaches. “FC Bengaluru United has helped me become a better player throughout the years, assigning the right coaches to help me improve on my game”

Contribution of UPFS

Run by FC Bengaluru United - two-time BDFA Super Division Champions, The United Pro Football School is known for its emphasis on player development and a style of play that values technique, tactical awareness, and teamwork. The academy provides a comprehensive program with a focus on grassroots development that prioritizes developing young players, both on and off the field, and helping them reach their full potential.

Talking about their academy trainees making the State team for the prestigious Khelo India Youth Games, an elated Head Coach Anup Raj said, “The players representing Karnataka at the Khelo India Youth Games are a testament to the success of the academy and its commitment to developing talented young footballers. The academy's approach to player development is based on the belief in hard work, dedication and a love of the game and this is reflected in the performances of the players.”