Ghatsila’s Santosh Trophy winner Samir Murmu signs with Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur, August 29: Jamshedpur FC has bolstered its squad with the signing of 22-year-old local sensation Samir Murmu on a two-year contract. The promising striker, hailing from Bhagaband village near Ghatsila, has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian football.

Murmu’s impressive performance in the 2023-24 Santosh Trophy, where he scored 10 goals in just 13 matches, earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award and a call-up to the India U-23 squad. His journey to professional football began at the Football Feeder Center, supported by the Tata Steel Foundation, where he honed his skills under the guidance of coach Kanu Murmu. His talent was soon recognized, leading to his selection for the Army Boys Hostel, Danapur Bihar Regiment, where he represented Bihar and the Army in various tournaments.

Expressing his excitement about joining Jamshedpur FC, Samir Murmu said, “I’m immensely proud to represent my hometown and the Kolhan region in the ISL. This is the biggest opportunity of my life, and I’m determined to give it my all to secure my place in the team. I’m committed to working tirelessly in training to prove myself to the coach and the people of Jamshedpur. I’d also like to request the entire Jamshedpur fan base to continue supporting us – we’re eager to make you proud!”

Murmu’s football journey is marked by several significant achievements. He was a key player for the Bihar U19 team that won the Junior National BC Roy Trophy in 2016 and was a runner-up in the U17 Subroto Cup in 2017 while representing Army Boys. After a year of training with the Indian Army, where he achieved the rank of Sepoy, Samir played for Army Red and participated in the prestigious Durand Cup from 2022 to 2024.

Jamshedpur FC’s Head Coach Khalid Jamil expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing, stating, “Samir is an exciting young talent from our local community, bringing a unique combination of speed and versatility to the pitch. As a local player, he embodies our vision to nurture and showcase homegrown talent. With his ability to play across multiple positions – winger, attacking midfield, and striker – Samir offers flexibility and depth to our squad. His strong work ethic and dedication make him an excellent addition to our team.”

Samir Murmu, who will wear jersey number 34, has already joined the Men of Steel in training, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in his football career.