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The 21-year-old Indian defender Yumnam signed a long-term contract tying him to the Kochi-based KBFC.
Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC completed the signing of Indian defender Bikash Yumnam on a long-term deal from neighbours Chennaiyin FC on Sunday.
The 21-year-old defender from Manipur, who represented the Marina Machans between 2023 and 2025 will ply his trade for the Tuskers in Kochi. He began his career with I-League side Indian Arrows before his move to RoundGlass Punjab.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Kerala Blasters FC,” Yumnam said following the transfer.
“The club has a rich history of backing and providing opportunities to young talents and I am eager to contribute to the team’s success and grow as a player during my time here,” he added.
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In January 2023, Yumnam joined Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), marking his first foray into India’s top-tier football league. During his tenure with Chennaiyin FC, he further honed his defensive capabilities, showcasing his potential as a future star in Indian football.
“The club is confident that Yumnam’s arrival will bolster the defensive lineup, providing a significant boost to the team’s ambitions for the remainder of this season and the seasons to come,” KBFC’s club statement read.
“Bikash will soon join the squad in Kochi to begin his training and integrate into the team,” the statement continued.
“The club extends its best wishes to him for a successful and rewarding journey in the iconic Blasters colours,” the club added.
Yumnam, a consistent presence in India’s youth national setups including the U-16, U-19, and U-20 sides, was part of the young side that reached the 2018 AFC Championships quarters in 2018 in which the men in blue conceded just a solitary goal.
He has also helped the Indian age-category teams clinch the SAFF U-15 Championship in 2017 and the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2022.
“We are excited to welcome Bikash Yumnam to the Kerala Blasters family,” KBFC’s Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said.
“His talent and potential align with our vision for the future. We believe he will be a valuable asset to our defence and look forward to seeing him develop further with us,” he added.