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India begin their campaign in the FIFA U-17 World Cup against the United States of America on the 6th of October. All eyes will be on those 11 teenagers on the field who, irrespective of the result, will create history. Anwar Ali will be a prominent figure in the defence for the young Blue Tigers.
Anwar Ali started his career as a striker, later he was shifted to the wings and then to full-back. Starting his career at Mahilpur Football Academy, he represented the Indian under-14 team. He later was absorbed by Minerva Academy and represented the Punjab under-15 team.
Even with lots of difficulties surrounding his family they were very supportive to Anwar in his development in football. “My family has always been very supportive. My sisters used to watch me play and they use to cheer for me. Whatever I do is for my family” he says, adding: “My father used to play football as well and he has been a rock in guiding me through tough times that I faced.”
Here are 10 things to know about this Anwar Ali, India's defensive lynchpin.
#1 - Anwar Ali hails from Jalandhar in Punjab.
#2 - The defender was born on 28th August 2000.
#4 - Anwar Ali started his career as a striker but was then shifted to the wings and then as a fullback before settling into becoming a centre-back.
#4 - His favourite Indian player is none other than star defender Sandesh Jhingan.
#5 - His international idol is Sergio Ramos, the flamboyant Spanish defender.
#6 - Ali's favourite city is Chandigarh, while he loves Punjabi cuisine.
#7 - Ninja Punjabi is Anwar's favourite actor and Alia Bhatt his favourite actress.
#8 - Ninja Punjabi is his favourite singer, Surma is his favourite song and Sultan the favourite movie.
#9 - Delhi Dynamos is his favourite Indian club, and Real Madrid, where his idol Sergio Ramos plays, is his favourite foreign club.
#10 - Cricket is Anwar's favourite sport apart from football.
If India are hoping to spring a few surprises at the World Cup then Anwar Ali needs to fire on all cylinders. Along with Namit Deshpande, Jitendra Singh, Sanjeev Stalin and Boris Singh Thangjam we can expect that the Indian backline will guard the Indian goal very well.
Stay tuned to this series for more about the Indian team stars who will make the nation proud at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 will start on 6th October and the official broadcasters for the event in India are SONY TEN 2 and SONY TEN 3
