Academia del Balompié Boliviano defender Abneet Bharti joins Indian football team camp ahead of Hong Kong clash
India will face Hong Kong on 31st March.
In a late development ahead of India’s crucial fixture against Hong Kong, 27-year-old centre-back Abneet Bharti has joined the national team camp under head coach Khalid Jamil.
The defender, who is currently plying his trade in Bolivia’s top-tier league with Club A.B.B., was not part of the initial 23-man squad but has now been drafted in as preparations intensify.
Bharti has already joined the India camp in Kochi to link up with the squad, bringing with him valuable overseas experience from South American football.
His inclusion comes at an important point, as India look to fine-tune their squad and strengthen defensive options ahead of a key international test.
A long-awaited opportunity for Bharti
Abneet Bharti’s call-up marks a significant moment in his career, especially after narrowly missing out on joining the national team in the previous camp.
Despite being selected earlier, complications with his club commitments in Bolivia prevented him from linking up with the squad.
This time, however, the defender is expected to receive the green light and is set to finally integrate into the national setup. Notably, Bharti was not part of the initial 23-man squad announced for the Hong Kong clash, making his inclusion a late but important addition.
His experience of playing in the Bolivian top division with Club A.B.B. could bring a different edge to India’s defensive unit, with exposure to a competitive South American footballing environment.
Boost for India ahead of Hong Kong test
With preparations set to get underway in Kochi, head coach Khalid Jamil’s decision to bring Bharti into the squad signals a focus on strengthening defensive options ahead of the encounter.
India will be aiming for a solid performance, and Bharti’s physical presence and overseas experience could prove valuable.
The timing of the call-up also highlights the coaching staff’s intent to assess players beyond the initial selection pool, especially those gaining experience abroad.
As Bharti joins the camp, all eyes will be on how quickly he adapts and whether he can make an impact in India’s upcoming clash against Hong Kong.
India’s 24-man squad vs Hong Kong
Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Abneet Bharti
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad.
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams.
Head coach: Khalid Jamil
Match information:India vs Hong Kong (AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round)March 31, 2026, at 19:00 ISTVenue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.