Ahead of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 season, ATK have handed contract extensions to goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja, midfielder Komal Thatal and defender Sena Ralte. The two-time Hero ISL champions have shown real willingness to get back to the top this season, bringing in top talents from across the globe while also keeping hold of key players who are already within their ranks.

Arindam, who only joined ATK a year ago, has agreed a three-year extension, thus committing his future to the club until 2022. He played 18 times last season and earned four clean sheets. The goalkeeper has been around in the Hero ISL since its inception back in 2014, initially representing FC Pune City before going on to play for Mumbai City FC as well. Bhattacharya has in total played 36 Hero ISL matches and kept 10 clean sheets.

Komal Thatal, meanwhile, has penned a two-year contract extension with the former champions. He has been with the club since January 2018 and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term. Although he found the back of the net just once in 18 fixtures, it was his intent and drive that convinced the club of his potential. Thatal first caught everyone’s attention at the U-17 FIFA World Cup held in India two years ago, where he showcased his raw talent. The 18-year-old is blessed with pace and good footwork, making him a nightmare to defend against.

The team has also opted to hand a new one-year deal to Hero ISL veteran and left-back, Sena Ralte. The 31-year-old played only two league matches last season, but will be expecting to feature more in 2019-20. He began his Hero ISL adventure with Chennaiyin FC in 2015 and helped the team clinch the title that season. He followed it up with two very fruitful seasons at Mumbai City FC and Delhi Dynamos FC, respectively, before joining ATK for the 2018-19 campaign.

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2019-2020Komal ThatalArindam Bhattacharja