Harmanjot Khabra is an Indian football player who is known for his incredible versatility. Presently, he plays as a midfielder for East Bengal F.C. (Football Club) in the I-League. Khabra has been a very promising player since his younger days. Known for his assisting capabilities, he has played in many positions during his career as a midfielder, defender and winger. He has played five times the Federation Cup (India) finals, five times in the AFC Cup. He has also played the 2013 AFC Cup Semi-finals as Vice-Captain of East Bengal.
Early Life of Harmanjot Khabra
He was born on 18 December 1988. His place of birth is Punjab, India.
National Career of Harmanjot Khabra
Khabra received his initial training from Tata Football Academy. He was then transferred to Clubs like Sporting Clube de Goa, East Bengal and Chennaiyin FC. During his stint with Sporting Clube de Goa, he played in the I-League for which he scored two goals in his debut match while playing the IFA Shield against Army XI in 2006. In the same year, he again scored in the Federation Cup (India) finals. It was the only goal for Sporting Clube de Goa against Mohan Bagan. Then in the year 2008, Khabra scored one goal against East Bengal. The goal was Sporting`s only goal of the game as the club lost 3-1 on the day.
In the year 2009, an announcement was made declaring Khabra"s association with fellow I-League side East Bengal. He scored his first league goal for East Bengal against Air India in 2012. In the match, he also scored a second goal as East Bengal won 3-0. In the same year, he scored a sensational goal through header in the 43rd minute in the local derby against Mohan Bagan. This goal made him the hero of the East Bengal Club. However, the match was abandoned though East Bengal was leading by 3-0. Khabra became East Bengal`s vice captain and on 8 July 2014, he was appointed as the new captain of the club.
The year 2014 also saw Khabra joining the Indian Super League in the Domestic Player draft after been loaned from East Bengal. On 21 October 2014, he made the most important assist for Bernard Mendy while playing against Kerala Blasters. The assist helped Mendy to score a fantastic bicycle kick goal. Khabra did the same wonder on 29 October 2014 for Stiven Mendoza while playing against Mumbai City FC. He created the assist through a long ball and Chennaiyin won this game by 5-1.
International Career Harmanjot Khabra
Khabra earned his place in the international platform in 2004 when he was included to play for the India U16 in Japan. He also got the opportunity to play for India U-16 against Iran, Malaysia and Kuwait. In 2006, another opportunity came to show his football skills when he was included in the India U19 team. He played for the country against China, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Myanmar.
Achievements of Harmanjot Khabra
•In 2006 Durand Cup, he was honoured with the "promising player" award.
•In 2013, he was awarded as "Man of the Match" while playing against Bengaluru FC as Captain for East Bengal in the I-League fixture.
