Bikash Yumnam has said that the fan support motivated him to join Kerala Blasters FC. Yumnam started his professional career with Indian Arrows in the I-League before stints with Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC.

He played three matches for the Yellow Tuskers during the Indian Super League 2024-25 season after making a move from Marina Machans.

Yumnam has played for India at various age-group levels, including the U-16, U-19, and U-20 sides.

“Kerala Blasters FC has been the club I always looked forward (to playing for),” Yumnam said while talking to KBFC TV.

“We all know about the fans, the atmosphere, the stadium, that’s what I really admired. I really wanted to play in front of a huge crowd, always. I’ve played for the national team (at the youth level) and whenever I go on tour, everywhere I go, there are Kerala Blasters FC fans. That gave me the motivation to make the decision to join the club,” he said.

The 21-year-old youngster said unity is needed on and off the field to find success at the top level.

“Not only on the field but also off the field, unity is needed,” he explained.

“When I first came, honestly, it felt a bit awkward to interact with all my teammates. But now I feel more comfortable. I know some of the players from before, we’ve played together, so I feel more of this togetherness and unity inside myself. I would say that helps us to get better step by step.”

Yumnam also spoke about his bonhomie with Naocha Singh and said the communication between them is good.

“I’m enjoying (playing with him) because he’s aggressive. I like him,” Yumnam said.

“As a defender, he’s a side-back I can control. He listens to me also. We have had such a long relationship, so it’s easy to communicate. He’s also from Manipur, so obviously (there’s a connection).”

Speaking about plans for the next season, the defender concluded, “There’s more into it. I want to get better every day. Even from now on, we want to get better and better to turn our dreams into reality.”