Anuj Kumar (footballer)
Anuj Kumar (born 24 July 1998) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Indian Super League club Hyderabad.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Anuj Kumar | ||
| Date of birth | 24 July 1998 | ||
| Place of birth | Eka, Uttar Pradesh, India[1] | ||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Hyderabad | ||
| Number | 23 | ||
| 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– | Hyderabad | 2 | (0) |
| 2020 | → Indian Arrows (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | → Real Kashmir (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2021–2022 | → Aizawl (loan) | 10 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:30, 2 Decemberber 2022 (UTC) | |||
Club career
Early life and youth career
Born in a small town called Eka in 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 FC
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 FC
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.
International career
Anuj was a part of India under-16s which won the 2013 SAFF U-16 Championship.[9]
References
- "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.
- "Anuj Kumar profile". indiansuperleague.com. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
- "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. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- "Anuj Kumar Hyderabad FC First Team Player Profile". hyderabadfc.co.in. Hyderabad Football Club. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- "Hyderabad FC retains youngsters Anuj Kumar & Nikhil Prabhu". khelnow.com. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- "Ratings: Mohammad Yasir stars in Hyderabad FC's win over Jamshedpur FC". khelnow.com. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- "Real Kashmir rope in goalkeeper Anuj Kumar on loan from Hyderabad FC". khelnow.com. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- "Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Anuj Kumar joins Aizawl FC on loan for 2021-22 season". sportstar.thehindu.com. Sportstar. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- "India beat Nepal to emerge Champions in U-16 SAFF Championship". www.the-aiff.com. Retrieved 9 November 2022.