Imran Khan Exclusive| 'Better Late Than Never': Elated Imran determined to justify India call-up

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Jamshedpur FC winger Imran Khan is over the moon and 'thrilled' after being called up for the national team.

Imran Khan, one of the most prominent players for Jamshedpur in this ISL season, was called up by Igor Stimac for the Indian national team in the upcoming World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Afghanistan.

The journey of Imran Khan started in very humble surroundings. He was born in Kairang Mamang Leikai, a small village in Manipur, somewhat 5 km away from the capital Imphal.

He had to struggle his way to becoming a footballer and slowly Imran established himself in the sport. The player recently revealed that he used to sell vegetables in his locality and his family struggled to make ends meet. It was only a football tournament which changed his life completeluy.

The 29-year-old is past those days and his newest achievement is a callup for the Blue Tigers. It was coming as well. Imran has been a livewire for the Red Miners on the wings and has showcased his talent to the world this ISL season.

He has already scored 2 goals and has 2 assists to his name. Imran's direct play and attacking threat have made him a menace for opposition players and the player rightfully received the call-up for the senior team.

The Elation

MyKhel had a chance to have a chat with Imran Khan and the player seems to be over the moon after his selection. Imran expresses the joy he had after getting a call from the Manager.

"Initially, I was on the list of 35 probable and I was happy and was just hoping to get in and then when the National team manager called me and confirmed that I would be travelling the next day, I remember that morning very well it was as if I was in a dream. I rejoiced over the call and my first reaction was that I yelled a big YESSSSSSSSSSS and a WOHHOOOOOO and praised the lord and thanked him."

"Finally, my hard work and determination are paying off. I am thrilled and joyed with the news. I know I am late to the party but I feel better late than never. I thank the coach and the selectors who gave me this opportunity and thank JFC for giving me the platform," Imran said from Saudi Arabia to MyKhel.

The Determination

It is a massive opportunity for Imran, who is currently rubbing shoulders with the elite of Indian football. When asked about the experience, Imran is determined to prove that he belongs to the Indian team and says he will extract as much knowledge as possible.

"It is indeed a very big milestone and now I will have to prove my worth and prove that I deserve to be here. This will be a great learning experience for me. To know how they conduct themselves. The atmosphere is great and I love that there is a level of dedication and seriousness that the National team commands.

I will be learning every day throughout my time here and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. I want to train hard and focus on the team's mission," he added.

The Mission

The Blue Tigers will be facing Afghanistan in the next two WC 2026 and Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers and the results of these two matches will be pivotal going forward for the team. Imran may have an opportunity to contribute to his team and he says he is ready to perform his 'heart out' for the country.

"These are very important games for India in order to qualify for the next round of the Qualifiers. We have to win and there is no other choice and we will do it. I am personally pumped and if given a chance I will perform my heart out for the India team and the coach," Imran concluded.