The son of a farmer hailing from Balrampur district in Uttar Pradesh, Akash Mishra’s journey to the Indian Super League remains an inspiration to many youngsters in the country. A full-back by trait, Akash’s fortunes changed after the U Dream Football Academy selected him for their camp in 2015. The 18-year-old spent three years learning the trade in Germany and returned to India in 2018, when he was picked up by the Indian Arrows, after breaking into the India U18 side.  He was a regular in the starting XI of the U18 squad that clinched the SAFF Championships in 2019, scoring twice in seven appearances. The youngster announced himself at the biggest stage with a bang, and played every minute of the 2020-21 ISL campaign for Hyderabad. He was also a mainstay as HFC won the ISL in the next season, after bursting into the National stage with Igor Stimac’s side. He is now one of the top-rated youngsters in India.