India vs Hong Kong AFC Qualifiers: The Inspirational Journey Of Bijoy Varghese From Beach To Blue

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Centre-back Bijoy Varghese is set for a special debut chance. The 26-year-old Punjab FC defender has earned his first India call-up. He joins the Blue Tigers camp in Kerala. He is in the 23-member squad to face Hong Kong. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match is on March 31, in Kochi.

For Bijoy, the story starts far from big stadiums. He grew up in Pulluvila, a coastal town in Trivandrum. His house stands near the beach. He began playing football barefoot on the sand. Those early days shaped his love for the game.

Now he trains in an Indian camp in his home state. The same state where he once chased the ball on sand. He calls this first Kerala camp very special. It combines his roots, his memories, and his biggest chance yet.

Bijoy underlines how new this stage feels. He says it is his first call-up at any level. He wants to learn every day in camp. He hopes the experience will further sharpen him. He remains focused on staying calm and ready.

Family adds another strong layer to this moment. Bijoy says his family has never watched him live. He dreams they can see him if he plays on Tuesday. He believes that would be a great gift for them. Their support continues to drive him.

His path from beach football to the professional circuit was steady. The school provided his first structured training on proper grounds. Different coaches taught him simple, key basics. Each coach added a small new detail. Those lessons slowly turned a hobby into a clear aim.

Bijoy Varghese's Turning Point

Bijoy points to one clear turning point in his teens. Playing in the youth league for Kovalam FC changed his outlook. It introduced him to the professional system. He saw higher standards, better opponents, and stricter routines. That stage convinced him to chase football full-time.

A move to the Sports Authority of India in Thiruvananthapuram followed. At SAI, he learned discipline on and off the pitch. The setup pushed him to think like a professional. Later, he joined college while still chasing the sport. Then East Bengal FC invited him for trials.

In Kolkata, he worked with experienced coaches at East Bengal FC. Their guidance deepened his game understanding. That period forced a major life choice. He dropped out of college and turned full-time professional. From then on, football became his single focus and career.

His homecoming came with Kerala Blasters in the 2021-22 season. Bijoy helped them reach the ISL Cup final that year. After that, he joined Inter Kashi from 2023 to 2025. He played a key role in their title-winning campaign last season. That success raised his profile further.

Move To Punjab FC And National Team Debut

The 2025-26 season brought a new move to Punjab FC. He signed last July and settled under coach Panagiotis Dilmperis. Bijoy says the coach always backed him. Dilmperis kept telling him a national team debut would come. Bijoy remains thankful for that faith and support.

The call itself arrived simply, inside his room. National team assistant coach Mahesh Gawali phoned him first. Bijoy thought it was a prank and spoke casually. Soon, he had a video call with coach Khalid and Mahesh. They confirmed his selection for the Kerala camp.

Once the truth sank in, he rang home straight away. Everyone at home felt happy and proud. Now he looks ahead to Tuesday night in Kochi. He says a debut would be the best family gift. He promises to give his full effort if selected.

Bijoy also counts on strong support from local fans. He calls Keralites his brothers and sisters. He trusts they will fill the stands and cheer India. He feels their backing will bring extra motivation. For him, every training session now carries special meaning.