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Rohit Chand
Rohit Chand
from Wikipedia

Rohit Chand Thakuri (Nepali: रोहित चन्द; born 1 March 1992) is a Nepalese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for the Nepal national team.[2] During his teenage years, Chand was heavily linked to clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham, and Lille.[3] Chand was awarded The Best Player of The Year in Liga 1 2018 (the highest level of Indonesia football competition) as well as becoming champion with Persija Jakarta.[4]

Key Information

Early years

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Rohit Chand Thakuri was born in Dailekh, Nepal. He started playing football at the age of eight with his brother Rabin Chand Thakuri, who is also a semi-professional footballer. At the age of 13, he was selected for ANFA academy.[5] Chand's tour of Iran with the U-16 national team in 2008 was the turning point of his career. At the age of 16, Chand was called up to the senior national team even though he had not played any games at the club and U-19 level. This allowed Chand to propel his professional football career quickly in Nepal.[6]

Club career

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Machhindra F.C.

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Chand's first professional club in Nepal's top flight was Machhindra. Chand's play had brought him four Man of the Match awards during the league campaign and his play at the back had been one of the highlights of Machhindra's season. The young stopper has led a defense that doesn't leak too many goals, but he also can be a threat moving up the pitch. Chand had shown his leadership qualities and captained Machhindra. He was awarded best defender of the year award for his spectacular play during the 2067B.S.(2010–11) league season.[7] Machhindra also reached the semifinals of the British Gurkha Cup that season.[8]

Chand training with HAL in 2011

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC

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On 2 January 2012, it was reported that Chand had signed a 6-month contract with the club after trying his luck in Europe.[9][10] In April, Chand scored a hat-trick in I-League match but despite his efforts his team went on to lose the match. And his efforts were not enough to prevent HAL from relegation in the I-League. His contract at HAL expired in 2012 after they were relegated from the top tier of I-League.

PSPS Pekanbaru

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Rohit Chand gave a trial at Indonesia Liga side Arema where he was able to give an average performance, although he was not selected by the team.[11] Later he was signed by another Indonesian side PSPS Pekanbaru on a 10 months.[12]

Persija Jakarta

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In May 2013 he signed a 5-month contract with the Indonesian side Persija Jakarta in the Indonesia Super League.[13] He was then nominated for the Young player of the year award for the same season in the Indonesian league.[14]

FC Vestsjælland

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Rohit has trained with the club for more than one and half months until 25 December 2013. He was offered with 6 months contract for reserved team as like Indian Goalkeeper Subrata Pal. Rohit's Manager Rabindra Chand denied the offer and placed Rohit to ISL club.

T-Team

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Rohit signed a year deal with Malaysian Outfit T-Team in January 2016.[15]

Return to Persija Jakarta

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After a brief spell for local Nepalese club Manang Marshyangdi, it was announced that Chand had returned to Indonesian club, Persija Jakarta.[16] He signed a new two-year contract with the club and Rohit will be staying in Persija Jakarta until the end of 2022.[17] In his second spell at the club, Chand brought the club to win the 2018 Liga 1 season. It was Chand's first league title in his career. For that achievement, he was awarded as the Best Player of the Year.[4]

Chand left the club after the 2021–2022 season. He holds the record as the longest Asian foreign player to play for Persija Jakarta, serving the capital’s club in two periods (i.e. 2013–2015 and 2017–2022).[18]

Persik Kediri

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After he left Persija Jakarta, Chand sign with another Indonesian club, Persik Kediri on 22 May 2022. He is the vice-captain of the squad.[19] Rohit has played 56 matches and scored three goals for Persik.

International career

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Chand is the youngest player to play the full senior level tournament for Nepal, making his debut on 23 March 2009 (17 years 22 days) against Palestine[20] in the AFC which was later broke by Bimal Gharti Magar. He also made many appearances in different age groups (U-17 and U-19 age).[5] Rohit was named the vice-captain of the national team in 2015.

Chand scored his first international goal on 16 November 2024 against Afghanistan in a friendly at the Respublikansky Stadion.

International goals

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No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 16 November 2024 Respublikansky Stadion, Syktyvkar, Russia  Afghanistan 2–0 2–0 Friendly

Honours

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Persija Jakarta

Nepal

Individual

Personal life

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Chand hails from Birendra Nagar in Surkhet District. His idol is Paolo Maldini.[27] Aside from football Chand is also an avid reader and enjoys novels, and also loves pets having a dog named Roger.[28]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rohit Chand (born 1 March 1992) is a Nepalese professional footballer who primarily plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back and serves as vice-captain of the national team, for which he is the most capped player with over 100 appearances as of November 2025. Standing at 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall and left-footed, Chand is renowned for his versatility, leadership, and defensive prowess, drawing inspiration from Italian legend . He began his career in Nepal before becoming one of the few Nepalese players to achieve success abroad, particularly in Indonesia's Liga 1, where he contributed to major titles and earned individual accolades. Chand's early life was marked by a transition from to football in Surkhet, where he started playing the sport at age eight alongside his brother Rabin Chand Thakuri, who is also a professional footballer. Spotted during a national tournament at age 12, he joined the (ANFA) Academy and made his senior international debut for on 26 March 2009 at 17 years and 25 days old against , setting a then-record as the youngest debutant. Domestically, he captained Machhindra FC to the semi-finals of the 2010 British Gurkha Cup and was named Defender of the Year that season. His club career took off internationally with stints at HAL SC in India's I-League in 2010, followed by initial moves to Indonesia including a first stint at Persija Jakarta from 2013, where he would go on to play over 100 matches across two periods starting with his return in 2017 and helped secure the 2018 Liga 1 title and the 2018 Indonesia President's Cup, achieving a domestic double. That year, Chand was honored as the Liga 1 Best Player and included in the Best XI, becoming the first Nepalese footballer to win such recognition abroad. Subsequent moves included a spell at Borneo FC, before rejoining Persija and later signing with Persik Kediri until July 2025; as of November 2025, he remains without a club but participated in friendlies with the invitational Asia Warriors FC, led by Japanese star Keisuke Honda. In 2019, he received the Special Award of the Year at Nepal's Pulsar NSJF Sports Awards for his contributions to both club and country. On the international stage, Chand has been a mainstay for since his debut, featuring in multiple and preliminaries, including a notable 1–1 draw against in 2011 during Brazil 2014 qualifying and a goal in a 2–2 friendly draw against on 13 November 2025. Appointed in 2015, he has captained the side on several occasions and remains a pivotal figure despite Nepal's challenges in continental competitions. In November 2025, amid ongoing domestic league disruptions, Chand joined fellow players in protesting outside the ANFA complex to demand the revival of the A-Division League, highlighting his commitment to Nepalese football's development.

Early life and background

Early years

Rohit Chand was born on 1 March 1992 in , , a region known for its vibrant sporting culture where football and were prominent local pursuits. Growing up in this environment, Chand initially gravitated toward , representing his village in regional tournaments, but his interests shifted decisively toward football under the influence of his older brother, Rabin Chand Thakuri, a semi-professional player who introduced him to the sport. This familial encouragement sparked Chand's passion, leading him to begin playing organized football at the age of eight in local matches and informal settings around Surkhet. By age 12, Chand's talent had caught the attention of scouts during a national youth tournament, earning him selection for the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Academy, a FIFA-supported program aimed at developing young talent in Nepal. At the academy, he underwent structured training that emphasized technical skills, physical conditioning, and tactical awareness, though early setbacks tested his resolve; he failed to make the U-14 national youth team initially, which only fueled his determination to train more rigorously. "That failure was all that I needed to get motivated to work harder," Chand later reflected, crediting the academy's disciplined regimen and the competitive local football scene in Nepal—marked by community leagues and district competitions—for shaping his defensive midfield style and work ethic. A pivotal moment came in 2008 when, at age 16, Chand earned a spot on Nepal's U-16 national team for a tour to Iran. This international exposure significantly elevated his skills, confidence, and visibility, serving as the turning point that transitioned him from youth prospect to emerging star in Nepalese football. The experience against higher-level opposition honed his defensive positioning and game-reading abilities, drawing from the raw, resilient influences of Nepal's grassroots football environment. This foundation paved the way for his professional debut with Machhindra F.C. in 2009.

Personal life

Rohit Chand hails from Surkhet, a sport-mad village in Nepal's , where he grew up in a family passionate about athletics. His brother Rabin Chand Thakuri significantly influenced his early interest in football, encouraging him to switch from to the sport and inspiring his initial steps on the field. Chand has long idolized Italian defender Paolo for his exceptional leadership, consistency, and defensive intelligence, attributes that have profoundly shaped Chand's own approach as a central defender or deep-lying . This admiration has guided his tactical mindset, emphasizing composure under pressure and team-oriented play throughout his career. As vice-captain of the national team since 2015, Chand demonstrated his commitment to players' rights in November 2025 by joining protests outside the (ANFA) complex in . The demonstration, involving national team members and other players, demanded the reinstatement of the A Division League after more than 870 days without it, highlighting grievances over unpaid salaries and administrative neglect that have left many athletes unemployed. Speaking out as a leader, Chand emphasized unity among players to push for reforms and a sustainable platform to play. As of November 2025, Chand remains without a club following his release from Indonesian side in September 2025, redirecting his focus to national team duties amid persistent challenges in Nepal's domestic football landscape.

Club career

Machhindra F.C.

Rohit Chand began his senior professional career with Machhindra F.C. in 2010 at the age of 18, marking his entry into Nepal's top-flight after progressing through the (ANFA) Academy. Playing primarily as a defender with midfield capabilities, Chand adapted swiftly to senior-level competition, contributing to Machhindra's defensive solidity in domestic fixtures. A standout performance came in January 2010 during a crucial match against APF Club, where Chand scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory and earned man of the match honors, propelling Machhindra into the semi-finals of the tournament. His consistent displays throughout the 2009–2010 campaign, including strong defensive contributions, led to Chand being adjudged the best defender in the A-Division League while with Machhindra.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC

In 2010, Rohit Chand transferred to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC (HAL SC) on a free transfer from Machhindra F.C. to join the Indian I-League, signing an initial contract from September 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, for a monthly salary of Rs 128,000. Building on his experience in the Nepal National League, Chand adapted to the higher competitive level of the I-League by primarily playing as a defensive midfielder, where he focused on shielding the backline and contributing to build-up play. During the 2010–11 season, Chand made 18 appearances without scoring, helping HAL SC secure a 12th-place finish and avoid relegation through a crucial final-day victory over Dempo S.C. His consistent defensive displays were highlighted as a bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign for the team, which struggled with 14 losses but managed 24 points overall. This period marked significant personal growth for Chand in tactical awareness, as he adjusted to the faster pace and physical demands of Indian top-flight football compared to the Nepalese league. Chand briefly left HAL SC after the 2010–11 season but rejoined the club in December 2011 for the remainder of the 2011–12 campaign. In that season, he featured in 9 matches, scoring 3 goals, including a notable against F.C. on April 10, 2012, in a 4–6 defeat. Despite these contributions, HAL SC finished near the bottom and suffered relegation, with Chand's contract expiring at the end of the season. Over his two stints totaling the 2010–2012 period, Chand recorded 27 appearances and 3 goals, demonstrating improved versatility in midfield while honing his tactical positioning and recovery runs.

PSPS Pekanbaru

In 2012, Rohit Chand signed a ten-month contract with PSPS of the Indonesian Premier Division (Liga Prima Indonesia), marking his first professional move abroad following his time in India. The deal, finalized on December 25, provided Chand with an opportunity to test his skills in Southeast Asian football at age 20, transitioning from domestic leagues to a more competitive regional environment. During the 2012–2013 season, Chand appeared in 15 matches for PSPS Pekanbaru, primarily contributing in defensive midfield roles without recording any goals. His prior exposure in the Indian with helped facilitate a smoother to professional demands. However, he encountered challenges adjusting to the physical intensity of Indonesian football, compounded by limited playing time amid the club's financial difficulties, including payment delays that restricted his involvement to roughly half the season. PSPS Pekanbaru's struggles culminated in relegation from the top tier at the end of the season, further impacting team dynamics and Chand's opportunities. Despite these hurdles, his tenure represented a pivotal early step in building resilience for future international club moves.

FC Vestsjælland

In November 2013, Rohit Chand embarked on an ambitious trial with FC Vestsjælland in Denmark's top-flight Superliga, becoming the first Nepali footballer to train at a European top-division club. He arrived in Denmark on November 11 after obtaining his visa and was provided with accommodation and pocket money by the club, though he covered his own travel costs. The trial, which began earlier in October for some players but included Chand from mid-November, was set to run until December 25, allowing the club to evaluate him ahead of the January transfer window. Chand's time with FC Vestsjælland was short-lived, lasting just over a month, during which he made no competitive appearances and scored no goals. The experience proved unsuccessful, as he did not secure a first-team contract and returned to shortly after the trial ended, opting to join . This marked Chand's sole professional engagement with a European club, underscoring the difficulties of transitioning to the higher physical and tactical demands of from his background in South Asian competitions.

Persija Jakarta (first stint)

Following his trial in Denmark, Rohit Chand joined Persija Jakarta in December 2013, signing a two-year contract to play in the Indonesia Super League, which later became known as Liga 1. His prior experience with PSPS Pekanbaru in the same league helped ease his integration into the team. As a versatile player capable of operating as a defender or , Chand quickly established himself as a key figure in Persija's lineup, renowned for his solid tackling and defensive contributions. During his first stint from 2013 to 2015, he featured in 46 appearances and scored 6 goals, playing a vital role in the club's competitive league campaigns. Chand's performances during this period highlighted his value as a standout foreign talent in Indonesian football, contributing to Persija's efforts in the while adapting effectively to the demands of a top-tier Asian competition.

T-Team

In January 2016, Rohit Chand signed a one-year contract with T-Team of the , a second-tier club now known as . This move came as a recovery period following setbacks at FC Vestsjælland in , serving as a temporary step to regain form in . Chand's stint proved brief, however, as he suffered an injury in early 2016 that sidelined him for nearly a year and resulted in no competitive appearances or goals for the team. The injury curtailed any potential impact, leading to his departure after minimal involvement with the club.

Manang Marshyangdi Club

In early 2017, following the termination of his contract with Malaysian club T-Team due to an layoff, Rohit Chand returned to Nepalese football by signing with Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) on a free transfer effective December 31, 2016. This move marked a short for the experienced defender, who joined as a key addition to MMC's squad amid his recovery and prior international exposure that elevated his status in domestic circles. His tenure with the club lasted from January to March 2017, during which he contributed to the team's campaigns in invitational tournaments rather than the main A-Division League, which began later that year. Chand quickly made an impact in the Aaha Rara Gold Cup in January 2017, where MMC secured the title after defeating 2-1 in the final. Playing as a versatile defender, he provided stability in the backline and was instrumental in guiding the team to victory, earning the man-of-the-match award in the decisive match and the overall player-of-the-tournament honor, which included a prize. His leadership qualities shone through as an established player, helping implement defensive strategies while balancing commitments to Nepal's national team duties during the period. In February 2017, Chand featured prominently in the International Club Cup in , assisting in MMC's 2-0 opening win over Mohammedan Sporting Club, including a key pass that led to a goal. MMC advanced to the final but lost 1-0 to of the , with Chand's performances underscoring his role in providing tactical depth and experience to the squad. This brief domestic phase allowed Chand to regain match fitness and familiarity with Nepalese football before departing MMC on March 31, 2017, to rejoin in .

Persija Jakarta (second stint)

Rohit Chand rejoined in April 2017, signing a contract effective from that date until January 2018, marking his return to the Indonesian club after a brief stint in . He extended his stay multiple times, including a one-year renewal in January 2018 and another in February 2019, before committing to a two-year deal in January 2020 that kept him with the team through 2022. Over his second tenure from 2017 to 2022, Chand established himself as a reliable defensive midfielder, accumulating 132 appearances and scoring 10 goals across all competitions for . His consistent performances provided midfield stability, with notable contributions in ball recovery and distribution that anchored the team's defensive structure during key campaigns. Chand's impact was particularly evident in the 2018 Liga 1 season, where his defensive solidity helped Persija secure vital points; he featured in 31 of 34 league matches, scoring three goals and earning widespread recognition for his tactical discipline. For these efforts, he was named the of the Liga 1, becoming the first Asian foreigner to receive the honor and solidifying his status as a fan favorite among Persija supporters. By the end of his stint, Chand had emerged as one of the club's most valued foreign imports, praised for his and on-field .

Persik Kediri

Rohit Chand transferred to Persik Kediri on a free transfer from Persija Jakarta in May 2022, joining the Indonesian Liga 1 club for the remainder of the 2021/22 season and subsequent campaigns. His prior experience with Persija Jakarta facilitated a smooth integration into the team. Over his three-year stint from 2022 to 2025, Chand featured in 82 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals while primarily operating as a defensive midfielder. As a veteran presence at age 33 by the end of his contract, he brought stability and leadership to Persik Kediri's backline and midfield, helping the side secure consistent mid-table positions in Liga 1, such as 11th in 2022/23 and 9th in 2023/24. Chand's contract with expired on 30 June 2025, after which the club released him, leaving him without a club as of July 2025. As of November 2025, he remains a and has not signed with a new team, but participated in friendlies with the invitational , led by Japanese star .

International career

National team debut and milestones

Rohit Chand made his international debut for the Nepal national team on 26 March 2009, at the age of 17, during a friendly match against in . As a promising young defender, he quickly established himself as a key prospect, featuring in his first senior-level tournament shortly thereafter and showcasing versatility in defensive midfield and full-back roles. Over the years, Chand's role evolved from an emerging talent to a defensive anchor and leader within the team, with consistent involvement in major competitions including multiple editions of the and . He earned his 99th cap on 9 October 2025 in a 1-3 defeat to during the , followed by his 100th cap on 14 October 2025 in a 0-1 loss to the same opponent. By the end of October 2025, Chand had accumulated 100 caps for . He reached 102 caps as of 20 2025, including appearances in a 2–2 friendly draw against on 13 and a 0–1 qualifier loss to on 18 , underscoring his longevity and reliability. Chand was appointed vice-captain of the national team in 2015, a position that highlighted his growing influence and maturity on the pitch. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding younger players, particularly during challenging campaigns like the ongoing . In November 2025, amid Nepal's struggles in the competition—having lost all prior matches—Chand remained a mainstay, scoring in the friendly and earning player of the match in the qualifier.

International goals

Rohit Chand has scored two goals for the national team as of November 2025. His first international goal came on 16 November 2024, during a 2–0 friendly victory over in , . In the 78th minute, Chand collected a clearance from 's defense following a and finished inside the to double 's lead after Gillespie Jung Karki's earlier strike, marking his first senior international goal at the age of 32. As a primarily defensive known for his tackling and positional play, this opportunistic finish represented a rare offensive contribution from Chand, highlighting his versatility in the final third during the match. Chand's second goal was scored on 13 November 2025, in a 2–2 friendly draw against . In the 29th minute, he opened the scoring with a stunning strike, becoming his second international goal at age 33.

Honours and achievements

Club honours

During his tenure with , Rohit Chand contributed to the club's success in securing the 2018 Liga 1 title, marking their first championship in the top tier of Indonesian football since the league's inception in 2008. Persija Jakarta also won the 2018 Piala Presiden under Chand's involvement, defeating Bali United 3–0 in the final to claim the preseason cup. Additionally, Chand was part of the squad that lifted the 2021 Piala Menpora, a national cup competition, though it is considered a secondary domestic honor compared to league titles. Chand has not secured major club titles with other teams, including stints at FC Vestsjælland, T-Team, Manang Marshyangdi Club, or .

International honours

Rohit Chand has been a key member of the , contributing to several notable achievements in regional tournaments since his debut in 2009. In the , Nepal reached the final as runners-up in 2013, losing 0–1 to in the title match hosted by Nepal, with Chand featuring prominently in the campaign. The team also achieved runner-up status in the 2021 edition, falling 0–3 to in the final, marking Nepal's first SAFF final appearance in eight years. Additionally, Nepal advanced to the semi-finals in 2011 (losing 0–1 after extra time to ), 2018 (defeated 0–3 by ), and 2023 (lost 0–2 to ), showcasing consistent competitiveness in South Asian football. Nepal secured its maiden major title at the , defeating 1–0 in the final held in , with Chand playing a vital role in the squad's triumphant run. The team has not won any other senior international tournaments but earned at the , finishing with seven points in the round-robin format behind and . Nepal has regularly participated in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, including the campaigns for the 2019 and 2023 editions, though it has yet to advance to the finals tournament. No further honours have been achieved by the national team in major competitions since the 2023 SAFF Championship, including ongoing 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers as of November 2025.

Individual awards

Rohit Chand was named the Best Player of the Liga 1 Indonesia in 2018 while playing for Persija Jakarta, earning recognition for his defensive prowess and versatile contributions that helped secure the league title. He was also included in the 2018 Liga 1 Best XI. In 2011 and 2012, Chand was named Best Defender in Nepal's while with Machhindra FC. In 2019, he received the Special Award of the Year at Nepal's Pulsar NSJF Sports Awards for his contributions to both club and country. In October 2025, Chand achieved a significant milestone by earning his 100th international cap for the national team during a match against , becoming only the second Nepali player to reach this mark.

References

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