History in the Making: Grimsby Town's Otis Khan Represents Pakistan in International Debut
British South Asian footballer Otis Khan, who began his career at Manchester United's academy and played for Sheffield United before joining Grimsby Town, recently made his debut for Pakistan's national team in Mauritius He is highly respected within Britain's South Asian community and represents a growing trend of diverse representation in football
Otis Khan, the attacking midfielder for Grimsby Town, recently made his debut for the Pakistan national football team during their match against Mauritius in the Mauritius Four Nations Cup. Notably, Khan was also named in the South Asians in Football Team of the Season, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Pakistan is participating in the tournament as part of their preparation for the upcoming South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFF) in India. Kenya and Djibouti are also among the nations competing in the tournament. Last month, Sky Sports News exclusively reported that Khan's international clearance was almost complete. The news was confirmed the following day by the Pakistan Football Federation, much to the delight of Shaheens fans around the world.
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According to FA Council member and ex-Blackburn Rovers academy player Jimmy Khan, who also represented Pakistan in 1989, the opportunity to play for his country will hold immense significance for Otis. Khan himself honed his skills during his early years at Manchester United's academy, before transitioning to Sheffield United where he went on to make his professional debut in 2014.
Khan's stint at Barnsley was short-lived, but he quickly established himself as a beloved player at Yeovil Town. Across 87 games, he scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists, earning the adoration of fans. From there, he spent 18 months at Mansfield Town before a loan to Newport County and eventually signing as a free agent with Tranmere Rovers. It was with Tranmere that Khan helped lead the team to the League Two playoffs in the 2020/21 season, as well as finishing as runners-up in the EFL Trophy final.
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He has since played for both Walsall and Leyton Orient, before electing to join Grimsby Town on a two-year deal last summer.
Khan made 31 League Two appearances for Grimsby last term and played a key role in the Mariners' run to the quarter-finals of last season's FA Cup.
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The midfielder contributed two goals to the competition and was also a part of Grimsby's unforgettable victory in the fifth round against Southampton. In recent times, Pakistan's women's team made a comeback to the global stage during the Women's SAFF Championship held in Nepal last year.
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In Pakistan's final group game against Mauritius, Doncaster Rovers Belles attacker Nadia Khan made history by scoring four goals in an international match for the nation, becoming the first woman to do so. It was revealed by Sky Sports News that she had received international clearance just in time to fly to Kathmandu for the tournament.
