Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, 23 year old from Mohali, has became the first Indian ever to play a competitive match for the senior side of a first division European side. The 6’6 ft tall goalkeeper turned out for Stabaek FC in a Norwegian Cup game in Sandefjord against Runar.

Gurpreet moved to Stabaek from East Bengal in August 2014. By starting for the first team, he surpassed big names like Mohammad Salim, Baichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Pal who plied their trade in Europe but never managed an appearance in the top tier.

Gurpreet had represented India once drew a lot of praise from his senior national team colleagues including idol Subrata Pal. India captain Pal wished him luck, saying: “I want him to grow. He is an inspiration for so many budding footballers. What he has achieved is remarkable“.

Tidbits

1. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is the organisation which manages the game of association football in India.
2. The AIFF was founded in 1937 and gained FIFA affiliation in the year 1948.
3. Praful Patel is the current President of AIFF.
4. India was one of the founding members of the Asian Football Confederation in 1954.
5. There are thirty three State Associations affiliated to the AIFF.
6. In February 2014, FICCI conferred the AIFF with Best National Sports Federation Award.