Dilan Markanday is “a hundred per cent” interested in playing for India, with the Chesterfield winger saying he would relish the chance to represent the national team.
Markanday, a proud British-Indian, attended India’s Unity Cup match against Jamaica this summer to watch the squad at close quarters. He said he was impressed by the players’ quality, professionalism and conduct.
“A hundred per cent, I’m super interested in that happening,” Markanday told Sky Sports News.
The 23-year-old became the first British South Asian to play for Tottenham Hotspur in the club’s 140-year history and recently marked five years since making that breakthrough.
Current legislative requirements mean members of the Indian diaspora and Overseas Citizens of India can only represent the country if they surrender their overseas passport and take up Indian citizenship. However, Indian football chiefs are increasingly confident that diaspora players from Britain will eventually be permitted to play for the national side.
Markanday said watching India against Jamaica gave him an opportunity to understand the team and assess the standard required.
“I went to watch the game against Jamaica in the summer and just thought what a great opportunity to watch them, see how they play, see the players and how they go about things,” he said.
“I was really impressed with the quality of the players, how they carried themselves and their professionalism.”
The winger believes he could make a contribution if the opportunity arises, including at international tournaments.
“I’d love to be able to dive into that, add to that and be a part of that. I feel like I’ve got good quality to add to the team to hopefully go on, go to tournaments and compete at a good level,” he said.
“I’d love to be able to be part of that. Hopefully, one day it can happen.”
