NorthEast United FC on Saturday announced the contract extensions of defender Asheer Akhtar and goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan ahead of the 2026/27 season, which starts with the Durand Cup.
Akhtar extended his stay with the Highlanders by a year, while Chauhan signed a long-term extension that will keep him with them until the end of the 2028/29 season.
Since joining the club in 2023, Akhtar has developed himself into one of the most reliable members of the NorthEast United squad. He played a key role in NorthEast United FC’s first Durand Cup victory in 2024 before helping the Highlanders successfully defend the title in 2025, becoming the first team in more than three decades to retain the prestigious competition.
He had also opened the scoring in the 2025 Durand Cup Final, paving the way for a memorable 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbor FC.
«I am very happy to continue with NorthEast United FC. The last two seasons have been incredibly rewarding and it has been a privilege to be part of a group that has made history for this club. The confidence shown in me means a lot, and I will continue to give everything, support my teammates in every situation and do everything I can to help the club achieve greater success,» he said.
Meanwhile, Chauhan – whose deal also includes a club option to extend the deal for a further two years – was included in the India Under-23 squad for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Speaking after signing his new contract, Chauhan said: «I am grateful to the club for the confidence they have placed in me. Since arriving here, I have learned so much from the coaches, my teammates and everyone around the club. Every day is an opportunity to improve, and I am excited to continue to compete, develop and give everything I have to NorthEast United FC. I look forward to what we can achieve together in the coming years.»
These extensions come days after Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
Published on July 11, 2026
