Sheikh Jewel Raja is an Indian footballer who plays for McDowell Mohun Bagan as a midfielder. Jewel scored on his international debut against Chinese Taipei in 2011 and has been a regular member of the Indian national team since then. After being recruited by McDowell Mohun Bagan in 2010, Jewel went on to spend a season playing for Pailan Arrows and returned to McDowell Mohun Bagan in 2011.

In the 2011-12 season, Raja scored 5 goals in 27 matches, with the maximum, 4 goals, coming out of the I-League tournament. In 2012-13 season, Raja's first goal came against George Telegraph in the All Airline's Gold Cup in September 2012. He scored his first I-League goal of 2012-13 against ONGC FC in a match that McDowell Mohun Bagan won 3-1.

Jewel was also a part of the Indian squad that won the Nehru Cup in September 2012 for a record 3rd consecutive time.

Born in Budge Budge, West Bengal, Jewel drew inspiration from elder brother Tarif Ahmed who was a member of the Indian team. Jewel credits his brother for teaching him a lot about football and honing his skills. The two brothers were backed by their family to pursue their dreams of being professional football players.

Jewel started playing for the national team at the U-19 level and the U-23 level before making it to the senior team in 2011. Jewel is one of the few players to have scored on national debut. He says that he knew performances like this would cement his place in the national team and since then he has won the hearts of football fans across India with splendid performances.

Jewel cherishes his first goal for McDowell Mohun Bagan which came in a match against Mumbai FC. He says it was a very proud moment for him.

" I would like to tell them that they have to be very disciplined to achieve success as a footballer. Time is also a crucial element. Practice, rest, food etc. should all be on time. These will help a young player develop. "

Jewel enjoys watching lawn tennis & long hours of sleep.

Rakesh Masih

Shilton Paul