Blasters sign India U19 International Sumit Sharma

Kerala Blasters is pleased to confirm the signing of talented young goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh on a three-year deal, committing his future to the club until 2028. Arsh is widely regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the country. He joins the Blasters from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, where he developed into a dependable presence within the squad and gained valuable experience in prestigious domestic and continental competitions, including the Indian Super League, Durand Cup, Super Cup and AFC Cup. Born in Chhattisgarh, Arsh has steadily progressed through Indian football’s competitive landscape with a calm and mature presence between the sticks. Known for his strong reflexes, composure under pressure and ability to organize his defence, he brings a confident and ambitious mindset to the Blasters setup. On the signing, Abhik Chatterjee, CEO of Kerala Blasters FC, said: “We are focused on assembling a team that understands our long-term vision as well as our competitive goals. Strengthening our goalkeeping department is a key part of that process, and bringing in a young, talented goalkeeper like Arsh is a step in that direction. We see him as someone who can develop with us and be a part of the bigger project we are working on at this club. We believe in his potential. Our focus remains on investing in promising Indian players who can become the backbone of our future.” Sharing his thoughts on Arsh’s arrival, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters FC, said: “Arsh is a young goalkeeper with good natural talent. He has strong fundamentals, a good mentality, and stays calm under pressure. We believe his arrival will increase the competition in our goalkeeping group, which is important for pushing everyone to a higher level. He has a profile that we liked, and we are confident he can develop well with us and become an important part of the squad.” Arsh said: “I’m really happy to join Kerala Blasters FC. This club is from a place where football is loved deeply, and I have always seen how passionate the fans are. Also, I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career. I believe this is the right environment for me to learn, gain more experience and grow as a player. I will work hard every day and give my best to help the team in any way I can.” Arsh becomes our second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of Amey Ranawade. He will add further strength to a goalkeeping unit that includes Sachin Suresh and Nora Fernandes, who joined the club last season.

Kerala Blasters is delighted to announce a strategic three-year partnership with Activbase, a pioneering organisation in sports and orthopaedic rehabilitation based in Kochi. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the club’s commitment to enhancing player care, injury management and overall physical wellness. Through this partnership, Activbase will work hand-in-hand with the Kerala Blasters medical and performance departments, supporting them with state-of-the-art equipment, advanced practices and modern methodologies in sports injury rehabilitation, orthopaedic recovery and athletic conditioning. The goal is to strengthen further the club’s already capable medical setup, ensuring world-class support for players both on and off the pitch. Activbase, with its deep-rooted vision of transforming rehabilitation and fitness landscapes in India, brings a holistic approach to wellness. The organisation specialises in providing integrated healthcare and fitness solutions, combining the science of movement with modern therapeutic methods to serve not just athletes, but individuals from all walks of life. Speaking on the collaboration, CEO of Kerala Blasters FC, Abhik Chatterjee said: “As the Indian football calendar continues to grow and the demands on players increase, it’s essential that we stay ahead by constantly upgrading our systems. We are committed to creating a high-performance environment where our players receive the best possible care. Our partnership with Activbase is a major step in that direction, it reflects our intent to strengthen the club’s medical and rehabilitation setup in a way that supports long-term player health and peak performance. This collaboration is not just about addressing today’s needs, but about building a future-ready club that can compete at the highest level, season after season. It is heartening to see the vision for such facilities gradually coming to the fore in Kochi, which bodes well for the general sports ecosystem within the state.” Speaking on the collaboration, Managing Partner of Activbase, Dr. Anas Kollancheri, MPT  “Activbase is proud to announce our official partnership with Kerala Blasters FC as their Official Rehabilitation Partner. We are thrilled to associate with one of India’s premier football clubs and support their journey with our expertise in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injury management, and athlete recovery. Activbase is India’s most advanced centre specialising in Musculoskeletal injuries and pain management, post-surgery rehabilitation – featuring a Pain lab, High performance lab, aquatic therapy, with protocols unique for each individual – athletes, non-athletes, elders, etc. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to elevate sports recovery standards and empower athletes to perform at their peak.” This partnership reflects Kerala Blasters FC’s broader commitment to professionalism, player welfare and long-term sustainability. As the club continues to grow on and off the field, initiatives like this underline the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports not just performance, but the overall wellbeing of its athletes.

Kerala Blasters Football Club is pleased to confirm the arrival of right-back Amey Ranawade on a five-year deal that will keep him at the club until May 2030. The 27-year-old joins from Odisha FC, where he concluded the 2024-25 Indian Super League season on loan from Mumbai City FC. Ranawade featured prominently last season, appearing in 22 ISL matches, starting 18 and clocking 1,675 minutes. His attacking prowess was matched by defensive solidity. He won 48 duels, made 20 successful tackles and completed 49 recoveries, while also contributing 16 chances created. In the 2023–24 season, he delivered 7 goal contributions from defence. His pace, stamina and pinpoint crosses consistently boosted Odisha’s attack while maintaining strong defensive performances. He was a key contributor to Odisha FC’s historic run to the ISL playoffs in 2023-24. Born in Mumbai, Ranawade was developed through the AIFF Elite Academy and made his ISL breakthrough with FC Goa before signing for Mumbai City FC in 2020. He was part of their double-winning squad in 2020-21 and also claimed another Shield in 2022–23. Internationally, Ranawade represented India at the U-17 and U-19 levels, showcasing his potential at a young age. He is known for his tactical intelligence, ability to read the game and willingness to support attacks without compromising defensive duties. Speaking about the signing, CEO of Kerala Blasters FC, Abhik Chatterjee said: “Amey is a modern fullback who will definitely add value to how we want to play at Kerala Blasters Football Club. He was always passionate about joining our project and I am glad that he could be afforded the opportunity to contribute to what we want to achieve in the immediate future. Having known him, I am sure he will bring determination, hard work, and his relentless energy to the pitch.” Sporting Director Karolis Skinkis added: “I’m glad Amey took the decision to accept our offer. I see him as one of the best players in his position in the ISL, especially in attacking actions. We are looking forward to his contributions with Kerala Blasters. I hope he has a season that will help him break into the Indian national team.” Amey Ranawade shared his thoughts after signing: “I’m proud and excited to join Kerala Blasters FC. I have always admired the passion surrounding this club and I genuinely believe in the project being built here. I express my gratitude to the management for their confidence in me. This is a big opportunity and responsibility to represent Kerala Blasters. I am fully committed to giving my best every single day to help the team succeed.” Ranawade is the club’s first signing this summer. The entire Kerala Blasters FC family welcomes Amey and looks forward to witnessing his dynamism on the right flank in yellow and blue.

Kerala Blasters FC is proud to welcome back SIX5SIX as the club’s Official Kitting and Apparel Partner on a two-year deal starting from the 2025-26 season. This renewed partnership marks a return to a trusted collaboration, with SIX5SIX having previously served as the club’s kit partner during the 2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. The brand’s distinct design approach and fan-centric ethos have consistently resonated with the Blasters faithful, making their return a natural fit. Commenting on the association, Abhik Chatterjee, CEO of Kerala Blasters FC, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate once again with SIX5SIX, a company that values quality, originality and connection with fans as much as we do. A club’s kit is an important symbol of its identity and given SIX5SIX’s history, we are producing something that both our players and supporters will be proud to wear. We are basing this year’s theme around our state and its culture.” Avni Aneja, Co-Founder and Creative Director of SIX5SIX, added: “The only word that comes to mind when we talk about this collaboration between SIX5SIX and KBFC is homecoming. We’re thrilled to be back and have the opportunity to create something truly iconic and special once again – something that resonates with both players and fans equally. Can’t wait to show what we’ve got in store for 2025- it’s going to be one for the books.” SIX5SIX, based in Delhi, has quickly become one of India’s most recognisable sportswear brands. With experience working alongside IPL teams, the Indian National Football Team, leading ISL clubs, and international outfits, their return to Kerala Blasters underscores a shared vision for innovation and excellence. Sushil Jaiswal, Business Head of SIX5SIX, said: “We’re incredibly proud to rejoin hands with Kerala Blasters FC — it truly feels like coming back home. The Blasters represent passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted football culture that aligns perfectly with our ethos at Six5Six Sport. Our journey together has always been special, and we’re excited to once again bring innovation, style, and performance to the club and its massive fanbase. Together, we’re ready to write the next chapter in this iconic partnership.”

Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC), one of India’s most iconic football clubs, has announced a strategic partnership with the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB), India’s premier sports management institute.