Who is Abneet Bharti? Indian footballer playing in Bolivia’s top division

Abneet Bharti started his football career with Shastri FC.

Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil, decided to integrate new faces into the squad as he builds a new core, calling up defender Abneet Bharti, who represents Academia del Balompié Boliviano in Bolivia’s top division.

The Blue Tigers aim to embark on their route to redemption after crashing out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Their first challenge on this journey will be the clash in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh on November 18.

Abneet Bharti, the 27-year-old defender of Nepalese origin, received his first call-up to the senior team. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, Bharti will be unable to join the national team camp, as his club has declined to release him, citing logistical issues. The 27-year-old was keen to travel to India but will now have to wait for the next international window.

Early Career

Abneet Bharti started his football career with Shastri FC in the Delhi Senior Division League. His potential led him to the Indian U-16 national team in 2015. The young defender did not shy away from exploring various landscapes to hone his skills.

Bharti moved to Spain, where he was inducted into the Real Valladolid youth team, providing him with valuable experience of European football. After this stint with Real Valladolid, he found his home at Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała, a professional club in Poland.

Also Read: ‘We want to play, and now,’: Footballers in India plead for resumption of ISL

Following his stint in Poland, his career has seen him transition between multiple setups. Bharti signed with Portuguese club SU Sintrense for the 2018/19 season. However, he did not receive much game time in Portugal. The defender then followed his way back to India to find a place in the Kerala Blasters dressing room.

His time with Kerala Blasters was short-lived. He was not able to make his way into the starting XI. Bharti then decided to move to the Czech Republic, where he signed for third-tier club FK Varnsdorf. The stint in the Czech Republic earned him a contract with Talant Besh-Kungoy, a top division club in Kyrgyzstan.

Experience in Argentina and Bolivia

The last two years of his professional career, Abneet has spent in South America. In a new continent, he has added new facets to his game, which could prove crucial for Khalid Jamil’s team. Bharti landed in Argentina in 2024, signing for Club Sol de Mayo, which plays in the Argentinian third division.

He appeared in eight games for the Argentinian club before receiving an offer from the top division Bolivian club, Club A.B.B. In the 2024/25 season. Bharti registered seven appearances for the Bolivian club, playing mostly in central defence.

It will be worth observing what his role will be in the Indian football team. He plays predominantly as a centre back but can switch into the left-back position as well. His versatility in defence could prompt Khalid Jamil to offer him opportunities in different roles.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.