Jamshedpur, December 5: For a boy who has just taken his first major steps in international football, the qualification of the India U17 team for the AFC U17 Asian Cup means huge. And that too having started all four matches for the national team and playing close to 270 minutes. Jamshedpur FC's 16-year-old Heeranganba Seram was one of India’s most reliable performers, contributing significantly to the country’s qualification for the continental showpiece in 2026.
The forward who returned from IndFor a boy who has just taken his first major steps in international football, the qualification of the India U17 team for the AFC U17 Asian Cup means huge. And that too having started all four matches for the national team and playing close to 270 minutes. Jamshedpur FC's 16-year-old Heeranganba Seram was one of India’s most reliable performers, contributing significantly to the country’s qualification for the continental showpiece in 2026.ia’s successful AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a quiet confidence and a renewed hunger is getting ready to push his game even further with Jamshedpur FC U18 team in the AIFF Elite League
“Honestly, it felt amazing to start every match for the national team,” Seram said. “Being trusted by the coach at this level gave me a lot of confidence. The intensity was very high, but I felt comfortable because of the work we’ve done in camp over the last four months. It was a big step for me. I learned a lot and I tried to give everything in each game.”
One of his standout moments came in the do-or-die clash against Iran, where his sharp movement inside the box earned India a crucial penalty just before halftime. “That moment against Iran is something I’ll never forget,” he recalled. “The ball came to my feet inside the box and there was a bit of chaos, so I just tried to attack the space quickly. I felt the defender clip me, and immediately I knew it was a penalty. When Gangte scored, it felt like a huge relief and also a proud moment because it helped us get back into the match.”
The qualifiers also served as a steep learning curve for the youngster, especially the opening match against Palestine. “It was my first qualifier and I was a bit nervous. Their defenders were very tight and physical,” he admitted. “But each match taught me something.”
With the national duty now complete, Seram has shifted his focus to the upcoming AIFF Elite League, where he will lead the line for Jamshedpur FC U18. He hopes to carry his national team momentum into the domestic season. “Coming back to JFC U18, I definitely want to use what I learned with the national team. The speed of play, the discipline, and the movement off the ball. These are things I want to bring into our Elite League matches,” said Seram, who was the top-scorer for Jamshedpur FC last year when the team finished runners-up.
“I’ve missed playing with my teammates because they’ve supported me so much throughout these four months,” he said. “My goal is to score as many goals as possible and help the team qualify for the next round. Most importantly, I want to keep improving and make sure my performances stay consistent after this international experience.”
