Odisha FC continues its signing spree as they announced the signing of two more Indian players today. After roping in Kamaljit Singh, Hendry Antonay and Saurabh Meher ; OFC ticked off two more names from it’s shortlist which were, Baoringdao Bodo and Laishram Premjit Singh. The youngsters who operate on the flanks will definitely offer an additional dimension to OFC’s wings.
Baoringdao Bodo, the Assamese winger is a super versatile playmaker as he can operate on the wings as well as he can play as the striker. Having started his professional career back in 2013, Bodo has came a long way at such a young age. Often regarded as the Neymar Jr. of India, Bodo lifted the 2013 SAFF U-16 Championship representing the National team. He came into the limelight when he was named as the Most Valuable Player in the IFA Sheild (2016) as he scored the most number of goals playing for the AIFF Elite Academy.
Moving up to the senior level, in 2016 he joined the Chennaiyin FC where he played a couple of games. He was loaned out for most of the time to Minerva Punjab and Gokulam Kerala FC plying his trade in the I league. In 2018 he earned himself a transfer to the Kerala Blasters where he played most of the matches for the B side. Currently he was playing for the Bengaluru United FC in the Second Divison I League as a loanee.
Here are some of his stats :
| AGE GROUP | APPEARANCES | GOALS |
| U-14 | 6 | 2 |
| U-16 | 8 | 5 |
| U-19 | 8 | 7 |
| CLUB | APPEARANCES | GOALS |
| Chennaiyin FC | 2 | – |
| Minerva Punjab | 10 | 1 |
| Gokulam Kerala | 1 | 1 |
| Kerala Blasters | 2 | – |
| Kerala Blasters (B) | 6 | 4 |
| Bengaluru United FC | 5 | – |
To express his ecstasy, Bodo said, “I am very excited and can’t wait to start my journey with Odisha FC. I want to thank the management for showing faith in me. I feel privileged and great to be part of a system which supports and develops young players. I look forward to playing in front of the faithful Odia fans and give my best.
Laishram Premjit Singh, the eighteen year old Right Winger who made his debut last year for TRAU FC, has definitely made his presence felt in the I League. He played around 9 matches for his team. It was a good enough season for the youngster as he scored 1 goal and assisted a goal. His strides attracted the Odisha FC’s scouts as he earned a promotion to the top division. Will he fit in the shoes as a possible successor for Jerry Mawihmingthanga, only time will tell.
After his appointment, Premjit said, “I am extremely delighted that Odisha FC showed interest in me and they are investing a lot in youngsters. I am looking forward to play for them in the ISL and I am sure that it will be a great opportunity for me to grow further in my professional career.”
It will be an exciting season full on new opportunities and avenues for these youngsters. We wish them the very best and congratulate them on this move.