Jamshedpur FC have signed up 16-year-old goalkeeper Niraj Kumar for the upcoming season, the club revealed on Thursday. Niraj is one of the brightest up and coming goalkeepers in the country and has impressed for the India U-16 setup.

The youngster captivated the collective attention of the nation owing to some splendid performances in the AFC U-16 Championships in Malaysia last year. He was particularly sensational in the continental tournament's Group C encounter against the mighty Iran. Niraj pulled off a number of brilliant saves in the tie, including one from a penalty, to help the team to a memorable 0-0 draw against the Asian powerhouse.

At the club level, Niraj plied his trade at Hero I-League 2nd division club Ozone FC last season and helped the team to reach the final round. Niraj is currently playing for India’s U-19 squad which is playing in the Granatkin Memorial International Football Tournament in St. Petersberg, Russia.

Niraj is athletic, nimble on his feet and possesses exceptional positional sense for his age, making him one of the most promising young goalkeepers in India's pipeline currently. The jump to Jamshedpur is a big leap for the youngster but he does have all the tools to succeed if called upon.

“I am ecstatic to take this step in my career. Hero ISL is the leading league of the country and Jamshedpur FC is an incredible team. I am thankful to the management for showing faith in me and I am looking forward to being in Jamshedpur for the pre-season. Playing with my childhood hero Subrata Paul and learning as much as I can from him will be a dream. I cannot wait to meet the fans of Jamshedpur and play at the Furnace,” the player said after signing on the dotted lines.

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