The 36-year-old goalkeeper kept 7 clean sheets in 20 games for Chennaiyin FC in the 2018 title-winning campaign.
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Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters FC on Monday announced the contract extension of goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for the next year. The Kochi-based club had signed up with the player last year as a replacement for the injured Albino Gomes. Born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Karanjit played for clubs like JCT and Salgaonkar for a significant period before joining ISL side Chennaiyin FC ahead of the 2015-16 campaign. He went on to win two ISL trophies with the Marina Machans before making the switch to KBFC. Meanwhile Karanjit is an experienced gloveman, having kept 13 clean sheets in 49 ISL appearances so far.
One more year! ☺️@tuhikaran with his bags of experience has signed on till 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ ??#Karanjit2023 #YennumYellow #KBFC #കേരളബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ്
— K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) May 30, 2022
In 2004, Karanjit joined JCT and spent the next six seasons there. He then moved to Salgaocar and won the 2010-11 I-League in his debut season. Later he roped in by Chennaiyin FC in the 2015 and played there till 2019, winning the Hero ISL in 2015 and 2018. Towards the end of his stint with the Marina Machans, he also handled the role of a goalkeeping coach . In 2021, the veteran joined Blasters during the January transfer window. Karanjit has been a consistent and reliable player for whichever team he has played for and continues to be a loyal servant of the game.
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It was after the I-League triumph in 2011 that Karanjit earned a national team call-up. He made his international debut against UAE in July, 2011. And then, went on to make 18 appearances for the Indian team, winning the SAFF Cup twice in 2011 and 2015. He was a key figure in India’s SAFF cup triumph in 2011, having kept 3 clean sheets in 5 appearances. Meanwhile Karanjit’s best ISL season was in 2017-18 when he kept 7 clean sheets in 20 appearances for Chennaiyin FC and helped his side win their second ISL title. He had kept the most clean sheets, along with Vishal Keith, Subrata Paul and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, in the title-winning season.
“I’m delighted to continue with Kerala Blasters. I hope to impart the knowledge I have earned through my experience to my teammates. I also look forward to getting on the field and helping the team win the cup this year, especially for the enthusiastic fans who encourage us in every step of the way!’ says Karanjit Singh. The 36-year-old has been part of four ISL finals, three with Chennaiyin and one with the Blasters, last season. Although Karanjit hasn’t made his debut for KBFC, so far, his experience and knowledge of the game could be beneficial for the growth of young goalkeepers in the squad.
“Karanjit is a record holder participant among the ISL players. His professionalism and attitude is obviously why he has been successful during his long career. He is a great example to young players and that is why we need this kind of professionals in our team.” Says Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, KBFC. Previously, KBFC announced extensions of their players Bijoy Varghese, Jeakson Singh, Marko Lešković and Prabhsukhan Gill. KBFC had an impressive ISL campaign last term, reaching the final of the competition for the third time in their history.
