New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Ryan Williams ushered a new era in Indian football after the midfielder gave up his Australian citizenship and officially became an Indian citizen. The 32-year-old's transition to Indian citizenship is the second such case of All India Football Federation's (AIFF) initiative to bring in Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the national football team.

Williams' Indian citizenship handover ceremony was conducted by legendary Sunil Chhetri at the Bengaluru FC's training facility. The winger got a string backing from his family, Bengaluru FC management and the Karnataka State Football Association. The final approval came from the ministerial level in New Delhi.

With Williams now eligible to play for the Indian national t...