Indian Sports Wrap, June 27: Chennaiyin FC ropes at Lalrinliana Hnamte

Chennaiyin FC have signed central midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte for the 2024-2025 season.

The 21-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Marina Machans, becoming the third midfielder to join the club this summer, after Lukas Brambilla and Jitendra Singh.

Chennaiyin also handed a contract extension to Yumkhaibam Jiteshwor Singh last month.

Mizoram-born Hnamte is considered one of the brightest talents in Indian football. He made his Indian Super League (ISL) debut at the age of 18 for East Bengal in 2021.

This signing underlines Chennaiyin’s commitment to investing in and nurturing young talent to help shape the future of Indian football.

“With the ability he has, we haven’t seen as much of Hnamte as we should have in the league. He’s a fantastic young lad who will offer something different to our midfield options,” said head coach Owen Coyle.

Before joining Chennaiyin, Hnamte was part of the Mohun Bagan Super Giant set-up for three seasons, winning the Durand Cup (2023), ISL title (2023) and League Shield (2024) for them.

Hnamte has played 43 matches in the ISL and spent over 1300 minutes on the field. In the final season of the competition, he recorded an impressive passing accuracy of 83 percent in 13 games.

-Kerala Blasters FC signs goalkeeper Nora Fernandes-

Kerala Blasters Football Club has signed goalkeeper Nora Fernandes on a three-year contract until 2027.

Before joining the Blasters, Nora worked for I-League side Aizawl FC. In what can be considered a breakthrough season, the 25-year-old goalkeeper made seventeen appearances, impressing with his commanding presence in the penalty area, strong reflexes and overall short-stop ability.

Born in Goa, Nora started his youth and professional career with Salgaocar FC, after joining the U18 team. He represented the side in the U18 I-League and the Goa Professional League before moving to Churchill Brothers in 2020.

Fernandes becomes the club’s third home signing of the summer and second goalkeeper after Som Kumar.