Perumpilavu: A. K. Kamaluddin is over the moon after being selected as the goalkeeper for East Bengal FC, one of the oldest professional football clubs in the country.

The 19-year-old footballer, a native of Perumpilavu, is currently in Kolkata. He will kickstart his stint with the team as part of the reserve squad coached by Malayali Bino George.

From the fields of Akkikavu to the football meadows of Kolkata, it has been a dream journey for Kamaluddin so far. He is deeply indebted to Mohammed Haneefa, his sports teacher at Erumapetty Government Higher Secondary School. Prior to this, he had also received training at the Guruvayur Soccer Academy.

Kamaluddin was a key figure in his school team. The talented footballer was also the goalkeeper of the Kerala team which emerged as the winners of the latest edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

Kamaluddin performed exceptionally well for the Kerala team in the National School Sports Meet as well. The star player has also featured in the Thrissur football team.

Currently, he is pursuing a degree at Thrissur Kerala Varma College. Son of Kasim and Bushara, Kamaluddin has two siblings.