Indian at heart, this Swansea midfielder wants to play for India.

Yan Dhanda says he can help Indian footballers improve their game

As the Swansea City midfielder, Indian-origin Yan Dhanda is perhaps one of the very few players of South Asian origin playing for English professional clubs.
For many years now, Dhanda, an attacking midfielder, who has represented England’s Under-17 side and has trained under Juergen Klopp, has been with Swansea City.
However, the 23-year-old footballer, whose father is from Punjab while his mother is British, has been following Indian football rather keenly. In an interview to one of India’s leading newspapers, Yan expressed his desire to play for India, though he’s is not allowed to do so, as he is a British national. As per rules, only Indian nationals can represent the country in international sports events.
Yan said, “I want to represent India and believe I can really help the national team. I have been following Indian football and seeing the recent results which include losses against Bahrain and Belarus. They should be winning such games. I being there can improve results and benefit the players as well. Playing with better players always makes people better.”
Yan also averred that he can improve the state of Indian football. “When I was young, I had opportunities to play for England and I took them. I wanted to experience playing for England and represent my country at a young age. Obviously now I have been playing with Swansea and following Indian football closely. India is in my blood. I believe I can go over there and help improve the results. This can be positive for everyone. For me, I’ve made the decision. I’d love to play for India and things can change.”
The British footballer also praised Indian football fans. “These fans deserve the national team competing against quality teams and moving higher. If players like me can come and play for India, it will help everyone,” said Yan.