Arata Izumi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Arata Izumi

Izumi with Pune FC in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Arata Izumi
Date of birth	(1982-07-31) 31 July 1982 (age 42)
Place of birth	Shimonoseki, Japan
Height	1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Inter Kashi (assistant)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2005	Albirex Niigata Singapore	22	(3)
2006	Mitsubishi Mizushima	25	(1)
2006–2007	East Bengal	14	(1)
2007–2009	Mahindra United	24	(2)
2009–2015	Pune	119	(25)
2015	→ Atlético de Kolkata (loan)	11	(5)
2016	Mumbai	13	(1)
2016	Pune City	9	(1)
2017	NEROCA
2017–2018	Kerala Blasters	6	(0)
Total		243	(39)
International career
2013–2014	India	9	(0)
Managerial career
2018-2023	Reliance Foundation Young Champs
2023–	Inter Kashi (assistant)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Arata Izumi (和泉 新, Izumi Arata, born 31 July 1982) is a professional football coach and a former player. He played as a midfielder. He is currently an assistant coach for I-League club Inter Kashi. Arata Izumi was born in Japan. He later played for the Indian national team. He played nine matches for India between 2013 and 2014.

Izumi started his football journey in Singapore and Japan. He then moved to India in 2006. He played for several Indian clubs. These included East Bengal, Mahindra United, and Pune. He also played for Atlético de Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune City, and NEROCA. With NEROCA, he helped the team get promoted to the I-League. He finished his playing career with the Kerala Blasters.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting in Singapore

In 2005, Izumi began his professional career. He joined Albirex Niigata Singapore. This team played in the S.League in Singapore. He became known for his speed. He scored his first goal on September 18, 2005. He ended the season with 3 goals in 22 games.

Back to Japan

In 2006, Arata went back to Japan. He signed with Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima. This club was in the Japan Football League. While playing, Arata also worked for Mitsubishi Motors. He painted cars for 10 hours a day. Then he practiced football for 2 hours. He scored 7 goals and made 7 assists in 24 games.

Moving to India

In November 2006, Izumi joined East Bengal in India. He played in the National Football League. It took him some time to get used to the Indian weather. He finished his first season with 1 goal and 10 assists in 14 games.

Playing for Mahindra United

In 2007, Izumi moved to Mahindra United. This team played in the I-League. He started with an injury that kept him out for six months. He still managed to score 1 goal and make 2 assists in 8 games. The next season, he scored 1 goal and made 5 assists. That year, Arata and Mahindra United won the Durand Cup.

Success with Pune FC

In 2009, Izumi joined Pune. This was a new team in the I-League. Arata said this move changed his career. In 2010, he had his best season. He scored 10 goals and made 10 assists in 26 games. He also scored 6 more goals in cup matches. He was the top-scoring midfielder. He was also named the best midfielder by goal.com. Pune FC gave him the "Man of Steel" award. He continued his good form in 2010-11. He scored 6 goals and made 9 assists. In 2011, he played his 50th game for Pune FC. He signed a new two-year contract in 2012.

Time with Atlético de Kolkata

In 2015, Izumi joined Atlético de Kolkata. This was for the 2015 Indian Super League season. He scored a goal in his first game against FC Goa. On October 13, he scored against Kerala Blasters. Sixty thousand fans and the legendary Pelé watched this game. He later scored two goals against Kerala Blasters again. This helped his team win 3-2. His last goal for them came in a match against Mumbai City FC.

Later Career and Retirement

In January 2017, Izumi signed with NEROCA. This team was in the I-League 2nd Division. He helped NEROCA get promoted to the I-League. On July 23, 2017, he was picked by the Kerala Blasters. He played his first game for them on November 17, 2017. He played the whole match, which ended in a 0-0 draw. After the season, Arata Izumi announced his retirement. He stopped playing professional football on July 18, 2018.

How He Played

Izumi with FC Pune City in 2017

As a player, Arata Izumi was very flexible. He could play in many midfield positions. He could also play as a "False 9," which is like a forward who drops back. He often played behind the main striker. He was also good at crossing the ball from the wings.

Playing for India

On August 24, 2012, Izumi became an Indian citizen. He gave up his Japanese passport to do this. This made him able to play for the Indian national team. On January 29, 2013, he was called up for a friendly match. This was against Palestine. Izumi made his international debut in that game. He came on as a substitute in the 64th minute. India lost the match 4-2. He was also part of India's team for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup and the 2013 SAFF Championship.

Coaching Career

After he stopped playing, Izumi became a youth coach. He worked with the Reliance Foundation Young Champs. This is a youth academy for the Indian Super League. In August 2023, Izumi became an assistant coach. He joined Inter Kashi, a new club in the I-League.

About His Life

Arata Izumi's mother, Akiko Izumi, is Japanese. His father, Narendra Khambholja, is Gujarati. On August 24, 2012, he officially became an Indian citizen. The Government of India granted him citizenship. Izumi also has an Indian name, Neelkanth Khambholja.

Honours

India

• SAFF Championship runner-up: 2013

East Bengal

• Indian Super Cup: 2006
• Calcutta Football League: 2006

Mahindra United

• IFA Shield: 2008
• Mumbai Football League: 2007–08, 2008–09

Pune

• I-League runner-up: 2012–13; third place: 2009–10
• Durand Cup runner-up: 2014
• Bhutan King's Cup runner-up: 2014

See Also

• List of Indian football players in foreign leagues
• Indian naturalized football players
• List of India international footballers born outside India