Shaan Hundal Ready to Renounce Canadian Citizenship for India Dream: “Sign Me for One Year”

In an extraordinary display of commitment to representing the country of his ancestral roots, Canadian-born striker Shaan Hundal has declared his willingness to renounce his citizenship for the opportunity to wear the Indian national team jersey. Following the recent milestone achieved by Ryan Williams, who successfully acquired his Indian passport and is now eligible for the national team, Canadian striker Shaan Hundal has unequivocally declared his interest in relinquishing his foreign citizenship to don the Indian national team jersey.

The Unconditional Commitment

Hundal revealed, “I don’t care about the money either. You know, it’s more about getting there for one year, whatever needs to be done, sign me for the one year. Let me get my passport. You know, the main thing is playing for the national team“. This statement underscores the depth of his determination to represent India at the international level.

Currently playing in the Canadian Premier League for York United FC, Hundal, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holder, is actively seeking a move to the Indian Super League. His primary motivation extends beyond club football to fulfilling national team aspirations.

The Indian Connection

Shaan Hundal’s ties to India run deep through his family lineage. Hundal was born in Canada to Indian Punjabi parents, establishing his eligibility through blood relations. Hundal, whose parents and grandparents were born in Punjab, shared his family’s wishes and his personal desire to represent the country.

This familial connection isn’t merely genealogical—it represents a cultural identity that Hundal has maintained despite being born and raised in Canada. Hundal speaks fluent English and Punjabi, demonstrating his maintained connection to his heritage.

The Residency Requirement Challenge

His primary goal is to fulfil the requirement of residing in India for one year, a crucial step in obtaining an Indian passport and becoming eligible for national team selection. This prerequisite creates both a timeline and a logistical challenge that requires collaboration between Indian Super League clubs and the player.

India’s citizenship laws present unique challenges for athletes of Indian descent. The biggest hurdle for these players to represent India is the country’s strict citizenship laws, which do not allow dual nationality. Unlike countries that permit dual citizenship or have special provisions for athletes, India requires complete renunciation of foreign nationality.

Communication Difficulties with AIFF

Hundal has encountered obstacles in his efforts to navigate the bureaucratic process. Hundal revealed that he has already reached out to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to understand and accelerate the process, but the communication has been challenging.

He stated, “It’s really unclear from the federation, from people, like no one’s reached out on how to get it or how to get things done, you know, or how to help me get through the process. So, it’s a little tough“. This lack of clear guidance contrasts sharply with his experience observing other federations’ approaches.

He contrasted this with the experience of players in other nations: “I know in other national teams, like Canada and other players that I know that play in those national teams, they make it easy, you know. They try to guide the player on how to change their citizenship and how to get them to play for the national team as fast as possible“.

The AIFF’s response—or lack thereof—could prove critical in determining whether this transfer of allegiance materializes. Clear pathways and proactive assistance would demonstrate the federation’s commitment to integrating diaspora talent.

Impressive Performance Record

Shaan Hundal brings substantial credentials to support his case for national team consideration. He has had an excellent season in the Canadian top tier, which included an incredible four-goal haul in a single game.

On August 24, 2025, he scored four goals in a 5-1 victory over Pacific FC, becoming the second player in league history to do so. This historic performance demonstrated his clinical finishing ability and confidence in front of goal.

Hundal reflected, “I think I ended up with nine goals, two assists and 12 starts. So I think it was a successful trade in the summer window,” describing his mid-season move to York United, where he excelled under a coach who brought “the best out of my game“.

Career Trajectory and Development

Hundal’s professional journey demonstrates consistent progression through North American football structures. He began playing youth soccer at age six with Caledon SC, later playing with Brampton Youth SC and Mississauga SC.

In May 2014, he joined the Toronto FC Academy. In April 2016, he joined Toronto FC II in the USL as an academy call-up, and made his professional debut on April 9 against FC Montreal. His early entry into professional football at age 16 showcased his precocious talent.

Career Highlights:

In April 2021, he signed with Fort Lauderdale CF in USL League One. In his first season with the club, he led the team in scoring with 11 goals. At the end of the season, he was named a USL League One Second Team All-Star and was a finalist for the league’s Young Player of the Year award.

In January 2023, Hundal joined newly-established Canadian Premier League side Vancouver FC. On April 22, he scored the first ever goal in the club’s history, opening the score-sheet in an eventual 2-1 league win against York United FC. This historic milestone added to his growing reputation.

In November 2023, he returned to Valour FC, ahead of the 2024 season, signing a multi-year contract. He scored seven goals in his debut season with the club, including six in his final 13 appearances.

In July 2025, he moved to York United in a player swap, with Markiyan Voytsekhovskyy moving to Valour FC in return, signing for the remainder of 2025 with an option for 2026.

Youth International Experience with Canada

Hundal represented Canada at multiple youth levels, gaining valuable international experience. In November 2013, Hundal made his debut in the Canadian youth program at a Canada U15 identification camp.

After attending multiple camps with the Canada U15, Canada U17, and Canada U18 teams, he was called up to the Canada U20 team for the first time for a camp in November 2016. His progression through age groups reflected his development as a player.

He was subsequently named to the roster for the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he scored his first international goal against Antigua and Barbuda U20 on February 23, 2017. Tournament experience at youth level prepared him for competitive international football.

In January 2018, he was called to a camp with the Canada U23 team, bringing him to the threshold of senior national team consideration before his career took different directions.

The ISL Connection and Opportunity

Hundal is leaving no stone unturned, even telling potential agents and clubs that the financial aspect is secondary to the national team dream. His willingness to prioritize international ambitions over monetary considerations distinguishes him from players purely seeking lucrative contracts.

He believes his quality and potential commitment to the national team would make him a valuable asset for any ISL club, stating, “I think if clubs see the potential I could bring in with the national team and stuff, like they, they’ll be more reluctant to bring me“.

With Hundal now a free agent and his contract expiring in December, the ball is firmly in the court of the ISL clubs and the AIFF. This timing creates an ideal window for Indian clubs to secure his services without transfer complications.

A move to India would not only bolster an ISL side but also put the national team one step closer to securing a quality, in-form player ready to commit fully to the Indian cause.

Following Indian Football Closely

Hundal isn’t approaching this opportunity from ignorance—he actively follows the Indian football landscape. Hundal closely follows the ISL and the national team, and like millions of Indian football fans, he holds a deep respect for the captain, Sunil Chhetri.

When asked about Sunil Chhetri, Hundal said, “I think Sunil Chhetri is a legend. He has surely made a name for himself but most importantly he has made a name for India as well. He has shown everyone what India can do and he has obviously made all the Indians proud. Everyone in North America knows Sunil Chhetri and he’s a legend here as well”.

This admiration for Indian football’s greatest icon demonstrates Hundal’s genuine engagement with the sport’s development in the country he hopes to represent.

The Broader Context of Diaspora Players

Shaan Hundal represents part of a potential wave of diaspora talent that could strengthen Indian football. The concept of an “India Overseas XI” brings to light a talented group of footballers with Indian heritage who are currently playing in various leagues worldwide.

However, policy barriers remain significant. Unlike countries like England, France, or even Algeria, which have benefited from their diaspora talent, India currently does not have a system to integrate players of Indian origin unless they renounce their current nationality.

India could introduce a special provision for athletes to represent the national team without renouncing their primary citizenship. The AIFF could create structured pathways to attract young players of Indian descent to join Indian football at an early age. Such reforms would facilitate the integration of players like Hundal.

Physical and Technical Attributes

At 26 years old, Hundal enters his prime years as a striker. A promising striker from Canada, Hundal has the ability to hold up play and finish well inside the box. These qualities suit the demands of international football where clinical finishing proves decisive.

His playing style combines physical presence with technical ability. As a centre-forward, he offers the target man qualities that allow teammates to play off him while also possessing the mobility to press and create space.

The One-Year Plan

Hundal’s strategy centers on establishing the required residency period as quickly as possible. The one-year residence requirement before passport eligibility means any ISL move in the 2025-26 season could position him for national team consideration by late 2026 or early 2027.

This timeline also allows him to adapt to Indian football conditions, build chemistry with potential national teammates playing in the ISL, and demonstrate his commitment to the project beyond mere words.

What This Means for Indian Football

The willingness of established professionals like Shaan Hundal to make such significant personal sacrifices signals both the appeal of representing India and the untapped potential in the diaspora community. His case could establish precedents for how the AIFF approaches similar situations in the future.

If facilitated properly, this transfer could provide Indian football with:

• An experienced striker with proven goalscoring ability at professional levels
• International experience from youth tournaments
• Peak-age talent entering his prime years
• A player genuinely committed to the national cause rather than seeking opportunistic cap-tying

The Call to Action

But Hundal is leaving no stone unturned, even telling potential agents and clubs that the financial aspect is secondary to the national team dream. His repeated emphasis on prioritizing national team selection over financial rewards demonstrates authentic motivation.

The opportunity exists for ISL clubs to act decisively and for the AIFF to provide the guidance and support that has been lacking. Clear communication channels, streamlined processes, and proactive assistance could transform Hundal’s aspiration into reality.

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