Anuj Kumar (footballer)

Anuj Kumar
Personal information
Full name Anuj Kumar
Date of birth (1998-07-24) 24 July 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth Eka, Uttar Pradesh, India[1]
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Odisha
Number 31
Youth career
2013–2015 AIFF Elite Academy
2015–2016 Pune
2016 Pune City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2019 Pune City 0 (0)
2019–2024 Hyderabad 3 (0)
2020 → Indian Arrows (loan) 0 (0)
2020–2021 → Real Kashmir (loan) 2 (0)
2021–2022 → Aizawl (loan) 10 (0)
2024– Odisha 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:30, 1 February 2024 (UTC)

Anuj Kumar (born 24 July 1998) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Indian Super League club Odisha.

Club career

Early life and youth career

Born in Eka, Uttar Pradesh, Anuj started playing school football after his family moved to Delhi.[1] Later, he joined Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and the AIFF Elite Academy.

In 2015, he joined Pune FC and played Youth League with Pune FC Academy team.

Pune City

After Pune FC dissolved in 2016, Anuj joined Indian Super League club Pune City. He won the 2017 IFA Shield with Pune City U19. He made the match-winning save against AIFF Elite Academy in semi-final penalty shoot-out.[3]

Anuj was included in the Pune City senior team squad for the 2017–18 and 2018–19 ISL seasons, but didn't make any appearances.

Hyderabad

In 2019, Anuj joined newly formed Hyderabad ahead of the 2019–20 Indian Super League season, later loaned out to Indian Arrows in mid-season transfer window.[4] On 30 September 2020, he signed a two-year extension with the club.[5] On 9 November 2022, he made his ISL debut as a substitute for Laxmikant Kattimani in a 0–1 away win against Jamshedpur.[6]

Loan to Real Kashmir

On 2 November 2020, he was loaned out to Real Kashmir.[7] On 5 March 2021, Anuj made his I-League debut against Churchill Brothers.

Loan to Aizwal

On 21 August 2021, Anuj joined I-League side Aizawl on a season-long loan deal.[8] He made 10 appearances for the club in 2021–22 I-League.

Odisha

On 5 February 2024, Odisha announced the signing of Anuj on a two-year contract.[9]

International career

Anuj was a part of India under-16s which won the 2013 SAFF U-16 Championship.[10]

Honours

India U16

References

  1. ^ a b "Calm and composed sweeper-keeper Anuj Kumar: "I have never been under pressure during penalties"". www.fistosports.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Anuj Kumar profile". indiansuperleague.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  3. ^ "It's just a beginning, we need to do bigger things in future, says FC Pune City goalkeeper Anuj". hindustantimes.com. Hindustan Times. 16 June 2017. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  4. ^ "Anuj Kumar Hyderabad FC First Team Player Profile". hyderabadfc.co.in. Hyderabad Football Club. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Hyderabad FC retains youngsters Anuj Kumar & Nikhil Prabhu". khelnow.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Ratings: Mohammad Yasir stars in Hyderabad FC's win over Jamshedpur FC". khelnow.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  7. ^ Joshi, Rutvij (2 November 2020). "Real Kashmir rope in goalkeeper Anuj Kumar on loan from Hyderabad FC". khelnow.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  8. ^ "Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Anuj Kumar joins Aizawl FC on loan for 2021-22 season". sportstar.thehindu.com. Sportstar. 21 August 2021. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  9. ^ "ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC officially announce the signing of goalkeeper Anuj Kumar from Hyderabad FC". Sportskeeda. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  10. ^ a b "India beat Nepal to emerge Champions in U-16 SAFF Championship". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.