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The FIFA U-17 World Cup is well and truly happening in India. Once the news broke out back in 2013 that the country would finally get its first ever taste of FIFA competition, Indian football has gained worldwide respect. The senior team is performing incredibly on the international stage and this year will provide the perfect launching pad for the Colts of Indian football.
The prestigious competition will be played in various cities across India including Kolkata, Kochi, Margao and New Delhi and promises top-quality action in front of stadiums packed with raucous fans. There is no doubt that the talent on display could someday rule the senior roost too as can be seen from the past.
The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Ronaldinho and Toni Kroos have all made their names as high prospects on the U-17 scene making this a true launchpad for future superstars. But in the presence of such talent, how does our national team compare? Not too well, unfortunately.
The Indian football side managed by Portuguese coach Luis Norton de Matos has fared fairly poorly recently even losing 8-0 to Russia back in January 2017 during a match held in St. Petersburg. By virtue of being the host nation, however, India secured automatic qualification into this year's World Cup.
India's qualification to the further stages, however, might be short lived when you consider their fellow Group A members namely the United States, Ghana and Colombia, all pretty tough opponents. Fairly surprisingly, defending champions Nigeria will not play any part in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup ensuring that a new champion will be crowned this time around. India's squad for the World Cup may not look very strong on paper but in front of a cheering home crowd, this could be the opportunity for the colts to shine and make an impact the likes of which the nation has never seen in the sport of football.
India's FIFA U-17 World Cup squad:
Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Boris Singh Thangjam, Anwar Ali, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Sunny Dhaliwal, Namit Deshpande, Komal Thatal, Aniket Jadhav, Rahim Ali, Jitendra Singh, Mohammad Shahjahan, Sanjeev Stalin, Khumanthem Ninthoinganba, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Lalengmawia, Hendry Antonay, Abhijit Sarkar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen.
The team is led by inspiring skipper and captain cool Amarjit Singh Kiyam who will be hoping that the side performs decently enough at the start of the campaign and carries it through. Other exciting players in the squad include Aniket Jadhav and Anwar Ali, a duo that the international football arena will have their eyes on once the tournament gets underway. The Colts are handled by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as are the seniors, and preparations are choc-a-bloc to ensure a smooth entry into this landmark competition.
