Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced their 18-man squad for the inaugural edition of the AIFF Futsal Club Championship, set to kick off in New Delhi on November 5. Organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), this will be India’s first-ever national level futsal tournament.

Of the 16 teams set to take part in the competition, Bengaluru FC are the only Indian Super League outfit, with three others – Sudeva Delhi FC, Mohammedan SC and Real Kashmir – from the I-League. The 12 other sides set to take part in the tournament are winners of their respective state leagues.

“We’re really excited to be a part of the inaugural edition of the AIFF Futsal League. It is a format of the sport that Bengaluru FC has not previously been involved in, but one that is getting increasingly popular in the country. We’re looking forward to some good games against some of the best teams from across the country,” said Govardhan Gowda, Head Coach of the Bengaluru FC Futsal team for the tournament.

The Blues are placed in Group B alongside Kuppuraj FC (Pondicherry), Speed Force FC (Hyderabad) and Sporting Clube de Goa (Goa), with the winner of the group set to advance to the semifinals.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with group winners set to advance to the semifinals. The other teams in this competition are Baroda FC, Chanmari Zothan Futsal, Super Strikers FC, Delhi FC, Real Kashmir FC, Telongjem FC, Classic Football Academy, Mangal Club, Niaw Wasa United Sports & Cultural Club, TRAU FC, Mohammedan SC and Sudeva Delhi FC.

Bengaluru FC Squad

Goalkeepers
Manik Baliyan, Preetam Haresh Idnani

Defenders
Manish Chaudhary, Robin Yadav, Harpreet Singh, Jagdeep Singh

Midfielders
Shighil NS, Bekey Oram, Kamalesh Palanisamy, Edwin Rossario, Louis Macarton Nickson, Lalthangliana, Vinith V, Omega Vanlalhruaitluanga, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Biswa Darjee

Forwards
Nongkhlaw Emboklang, Monirul Molla

(Bengaluru FC)