Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Warriors are thrilled to announce the permanent signings of two local Odia players, striker Kartik Hantal and forward Roshan Panna on a professional contract.
Both players have been part of Odisha FC’s reserve team, with Kartik being with the team from the very beginning and Roshan joining last season during the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) from the youth team. Their standout performances in both the RFDL and Durand Cup have caught the attention of Indian football, showcasing their skill and passion.
In the recently concluded RFDL, Kartik made a huge impact, scoring five goals in five matches; making him the highest scorer of the East Region Qualifiers. Roshan also showcased his ability to help the team perform at a high level.
Kartik Hantal has already made a name for himself at the national level. In 2024, he played a crucial role in helping the Odisha team qualify for the final rounds of the 78th Senior Men’s National Football Championship in the Santosh Trophy, scoring important wins in Group F against Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
He also played a key role in Odisha’s strong performance in previous years, including scoring a vital goal in a 1-0 win against Manipur in 2022 during the 75th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy.
Kartik has signed a professional pre-contract agreement with the club set to start from June 2025 keeping him until the end of the 2028 season.
Roshan Panna, at just 21, has shown great promise. He was part of the Odisha team that qualified for the 78th Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy in 2024, helping secure important victories in Group F against Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. His talent and contributions signal a bright future for Indian football. Roshan has signed a professional contract, which is set to keep him at the club until the end of the 2026 season.
With this promotion, both Kartik and Roshan represent the exciting future of Odisha FC, and the club is eager to watch them continue to grow and succeed at the top level of Indian football.
