Hamza Choudhury’s arrival in Bangladesh: Indian media reacts

Hamza Choudhury, who was given the green light to represent Bangladesh last December, has returned to his roots with a wave of excitement surrounding his debut in the red and green jersey. 

Fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment, and all eyes are now on Bangladesh’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India on March 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. 

This crucial match could see the 27-year-old defensive mid-fielder officially make his debut for Bangladesh.

Upon arriving in Sylhet on March 17, Hamza was warmly welcomed. 

The Premier League star, currently playing for Sheffield United, took the road from Sylhet Osmani International Airport to his family home in Habiganj. 

As he set foot in his ancestral land, Hamza expressed his confidence, stating that Bangladesh aims to beat India and push forward. 

His return has fueled the hopes of millions of Bangladeshi fans who see him as a beacon of hope for brighter days in their national football scene.

Although Hamza was born and raised in the UK, where he represented England’s youth teams, his decision to play for Bangladesh has garnered significant attention from Indian media. 

Several outlets have labeled his return a "historic moment" for Bangladesh football.

Notably, ESPN India shared a vibrant image on their social media platforms, showcasing a beaming Hamza surrounded by enthusiastic fans and media in Sylhet. 

The image highlights the excitement his presence has generated.

Indian sports site RevSportz also gave significant coverage to Hamza‍‍`s return, recognizing his Premier League experience and calling his arrival a landmark event for Bangladesh football. 

In addition, Firstpost, another Indian news outlet, headlined its report with a sense of concern, saying, “Why FA Cup Winner Hamza Joining Bangladesh is a Major Concern for the Indian Football Team?” signaling that his presence could prove troublesome for India’s hopes in the upcoming match.

Hamza’s football journey started far from Bangladesh. 

Born on October 1, 1997, in Leicester, England, he rose through the ranks of Leicester City‍‍`s Academy before playing for England’s youth teams, including the Under-21 European Championship squad. 

Despite being a Leicester Academy graduate, Hamza made his professional debut with Burton Albion, where he played 28 matches over two seasons, recording one assist.

In 2017, Hamza began his Premier League journey with Leicester City, featuring in major domestic competitions like the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. 

Though he hasn’t appeared in any European tournaments, his time at Leicester saw him contribute with four assists and two goals. 

After a loan stint at Watford during the 2022-23 season, Hamza joined Sheffield United, who are currently sitting second in the Championship standings.

Hamza‍‍`s decision to play for Bangladesh, coupled with his top-tier football experience, has undoubtedly stirred excitement among Bangladeshi fans while simultaneously raising concerns for their Indian rivals. 

His debut is eagerly anticipated, with hopes that it will mark a new era for Bangladeshi football.