Young stars Suhail Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, and Hrithik Tiwari debut in India’s senior football camp, chasing dreams in Blue Tigers colours and earning praise for their dedication, talent, and vision for a bright international future.
Three promising young footballers—Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, and Hrithik Tiwari—have taken their first steps into the senior national team setup, each determined to make their mark in the Blue Tigers jersey.
Every national camp is a dream incubator, especially for first-time call-ups. For 20-year-old Suhail Bhat, this moment is especially surreal. Born just two months before Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri made his national team debut, Bhat now finds himself training beside his childhood idol.
“It’s surreal to train with Chhetri bhai,” said Bhat, currently playing for Mohun Bagan SG. “After starting with the U16s and working my way up, being in the senior team is a dream come true. The quality, competition, and atmosphere are on another level here.”
Bhat, who represented India in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2023, emphasized the gulf in class between youth and senior levels. “It’s a huge step up. But I’m determined to work hard not just for myself, but for my family and for Kashmir. My dream is Kashmir’s dream,” he added passionately.
Joining Bhat in this momentous journey is 24-year-old defensive midfielder Nikhil Prabhu. After consistent performances with Punjab FC in the Indian Super League, his versatility caught the eye of national head coach Manolo Márquez.
“The call-up felt like a dream, especially for my parents,” Prabhu shared. “But I know this is just the beginning. At the national level, the responsibility is greater. You play alongside legends, and every moment is a learning experience.”
The atmosphere at the camp, according to Prabhu, is positive and uplifting. “I’ve learned so much already, both on and off the field. I was waiting for this chance and now that it’s here, I’m making the most of it,” he said.
Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, just 23 and coached by Márquez at FC Goa, is embracing the challenge of competing with India’s best shot-stoppers like Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith, and Gurmeet Singh.
“Training at this level is intense but rewarding,” Tiwari stated. “The environment is very professional but also warm and supportive. Getting this call-up is the result of years of hard work and sacrifice. It’s a dream come true, but also a reminder to keep pushing forward.”
Coach Márquez sees a bright future in Tiwari, predicting he will become one of India’s top goalkeepers. For Suhail, Prabhu, and Tiwari, the national camp marks the beginning of what they hope will be long and successful international careers.
