Slovan Ljubljana keeper Som Kumar earns first India call-up

Slovan Ljubljana goalkeeper Som Kumar has officially earned his maiden call-up to the India senior national squad. The young shot-stopper, currently competing in the second tier of Slovenian football, is the only player selected from outside the domestic Indian system.

Kumar is set to travel to Bangalore on September 14 to join the national team's training camp. His club, ND Slovan, expressed significant pride in the selection, highlighting the importance of this milestone for both the player and the club.

Som's call-up is a great recognition for him and a special source of pride for ND Slovan. Our player will be part of the senior national team during an international cycle in which India will also face two giants of world football, Brazil and Uruguay. ND Slovan

Kumar’s European career began in 2020 through development spells at the academies of Bravo, Krka, and Olimpija Ljubljana. He later signed senior terms with Radomlje and has since made 17 appearances for Slovan.

India's upcoming international series includes a clash against Panama on September 26 in Bangalore. Following that, the team will face Brazil on October 3, followed by Uruguay on October 6, with both high-profile fixtures scheduled to take place in Kolkata.