Jammu, July 12: Hailing from a village Seer Jagir, Sopore in North Kashmir– born and brought up in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the son of the soil, ace footballer Martand Raina will be the first player from Rajasthan to don the East Bengal colours and also will become the first ever player from Kashmiri Pandit community to do so.A statement issued here said that his extraordinary soccer talent has fetched him a massive three-year contract of Rs one crore and ten lakhs (1,10, 00, 000) for East Bengal to represent it in the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL) and other tournaments. Martand will receive an yearly contract money of Rs 30, 40, 40 lakh in three seasons respectively. Martand will begin his East Bengal journey in the forthcoming Durand Cup Football with the first match against South United Football Club in Kolkata on July 23.Influenced and motivated by his sporting family and inspired by his Grand Father Kanaya Lal Raina (a topclass footballer who was approached by Mohan Bagan in his prime youth) and his uncle Ajay Raina (a graceful Club cricketer of the valley), son of Smita and Dr Subash Raina, the champion footballer Martand began his soccer journey from St Xaviers School Jaipur where he studied from Class 1st to Class 12th. Martand continued his soccer brilliance while pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, thus making balance between sports and studies.Playing in a local soccer tourney in Jaipur, Martand was spotted by the administrators of Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC) who hired him to start playing professional soccer.
“Martand has become a role model for young footballers of Rajasthan and his donning the East Bengal jersy will surely lure young footballers of the State towards making soccer a profession. He is a class act when on song and has made all of us proud. He has not only brought laurels to his Club (RUFC), but to Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir as well. We wish him best of luck for his future endeavours,” said Kamal Singh Saroha, Director of Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC).Accrediting his success to his coach, parents and well wishers, Martand said that his ultimate goal is to represent the country, adding that he will leave no stone unturned to achieve that feat.”Representing East Bengal is a dream come true for me and my ultimate destination is to represent the nation at the highest level. My contract with East Bengal has opened the doors for me and brought me closer to the ultimate goal. God is kind,” asserted Martand.It is pertinent to mention here that Martand Raina has made name for himself in the i-league with Rajasthan United Football Club. Over the course of 21 appearances, the 24‑year‑old defender scored four goals, a notable feat for a center‑back-while showcasing strong ball progression and aerial prowess. His intelligent interceptions, ability to carry the ball forward, and effectiveness on set‑pieces made him one of the standout defenders in the 2nd tier of Indian football last season. Following interest from at least six ISL clubs, including Mumbai City FC, Punjab FC, and Hyderabad FC, East Bengal successfully secured Raina’s signature. East Bengal Head Coach, Oscar Bruzon has echoed the sentiment, noting, “Raina was one of the most effective and consistent performers in the I-League. His signing will strengthen our backline and increase competition for starting positions. Raina, who previously played in Bengal with Adamas United, is eager to begin his new chapter.”
