Chennaiyin FC announced the contract extension of their defender, Mohammad Sajid Dhot till 2024 ahead of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season, the club announced the signing through their social media handles on Saturday.

During the January transfer window, the 24-year-old defender moved to Chennaiyin FC from Odisha FC. Since joining the club, he has appeared in six games, making 35 clearances and four interceptions.

In the last season of Hero ISL, Dhot showed his attacking ability and also registered a goal to his name. He played 496 minutes before being side-lined for the rest of the season due to an injury. The Punjab-born player will be eager to continue exhibiting his ability for the Marina Machans now that he has received a contract extension.

“Sajid came in midway through last season and proved to be a solid addition to the backline when called upon. We are happy to have someone of his potential in our ranks,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani. 

The 24-year-old defender was a member of the Indian squad that came in second place at the South Asian Football Federation Championship in 2018. He has represented the country in all youth teams up to the U-19 squad, in addition to playing one game for the senior national team.

And now after getting an extension, Dhot will be eager to continue his fine form in the upcoming season.

“I am very happy and proud to be part of this club for two more years. Last year I got my chances and gave my best. I only want to do better. I will give it my all for the club and the people,” said the India International.

Dhot, a graduate of the AIFF Elite Academy, spent four seasons with Odisha FC, then known as Delhi Dynamos, before joining Chennaiyin FC. After making his debut in 2018, he played in 23 games. Dhot has appeared in 37 matches in his professional career.

The Marina Machans have secured their defensive line for the upcoming season with the extension of Mohammad Sajid Dhot's contract, as they already signed the Bengal's Santosh Trophy squad captain Monotosh Chakladar and Rajasthan United FC's Gurmukh Singh.