Cardiff City goalkeeper Rohan Luthra becomes the first British Asian to play in Sky Bet Championship

Image by Sky Sports News

England youth international Rohan Luthra has made history by becoming the first goalkeeper from Britain’s South Asian community to play in the Sky Bet Championship.

Luthra, 20, who was signed by Cardiff City FC as a goalkeeper in the summer of 2021, made his appearance for the club on Saturday’s game at Preston North End.

The 6ft 5in tall England youth international of Punjabi background came off the bench in Deepdale during added time for his senior debut as he replaced forward Mark Harris after goalkeeper Jak Alnwick was given his marching orders for taking out Tom Cannon when trying to make a clearance, Sky Sports News reports.

The West Londoner is the first British South Asian ever to sign a Premier League deal as a goalkeeper. He studied at Whitgift School and played alongside England internationals Bukayo Saka and Callum Hudson-Odoi at junior level before making his debut in goal for Crystal Palace’s U-18s, at the age of 15, Sky Sports News mentions.

The young sportsman was recovering from an injury and has now returned in full form. According to Sky Sports News, he was on the bench because Cardiff’s other goalkeeper Ryan Allsop was serving a one-match suspension he was given last week in the win against Bristol City.

Jas Batt, England technical talent coach, told Sky Sports News, “This is another piece of magnificent news for British South Asians in football in 2023.

“They will be celebrating this one from Wales to west London and all the way to the Wagah border, and beyond!

“Rohan is someone everyone from a South Asian background can be proud of. He’s a multi-talented sportsman from a very good family, who has been an elite-potential talent for a long time.

“I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everybody across the community when I say that we are all very proud of him.”

A spokesperson for official Three Lions supporters’ club Apna England told Sky Sports News, “This is a moment for both the football family and the wider South Asian community, in England and beyond, to rejoice.

“Everyone is desperate to see better representation across the ‘beautiful game’ and Rohan making history will give a lot of people from different backgrounds plenty of hope for the future.

“Rohan has represented his country with distinction at junior level and as an official England fans’ group we’d like to offer our support and heartiest congratulations to Rohan, his family and everyone associated with Cardiff City Football Club.”