Kolkata: FIFA president Gianni Infantino once had called India ‘a sleeping giant in world football’. Years later India is hosting it’s first ever FIFA tournament, in the form of the U-17 World Cup.
The Indian team qualified for the gala event, courtesy hosting the tournament and just hours later history will be made when the Indian U-17 captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam walks out at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium with his team, as the first ever Indian captain to lead his national side in a FIFA World Cup match. But, the question still pricks – Has the Sleeping Giant awaken from it’s deep slumber?
While it may be too early to depict and illustrate an answer, India’s performance in the World Cup will go a long way in framing it.
India does not have a good record to speak of in almost all the tournaments that it has competed in but the World Cup is a different competition altogether. Although they start the tournament as underdogs but, they can not just be written off.
“There are certain minnow teams in every tournament, but as a player it is important to never give up,”- Yuvraj Singh.
The preparation for the U-17 World Cup has witnessed everything that could have been done, from playing against big teams like Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Benfica, to touring other nations like Italy, Portugal and Mexico the Indian team has gone through everything.
It might be wrong of dreaming about the Indian team lifting the coveted trophy on October 28 but this World Cup will unearth few Indian stars that has the power of plying their trades in top football clubs worldwide. We take a look at five of those players who can woo the world with their performances.
1. Aniket Jadhav – One of India’s top emerging football talent, Aniket came to the limelight as a 14-year-old when former Germany great Paul Brietner picked him along with 10 others to represent India at the FC Bayern Munich Youth Cup in 2014. Although he started out as a winger, coaches moved him into a forward role for his ability to beat defenders and goal poaching instincts. In a friendly match against Mexico, he ran past three defenders before firing a bullet that rattled the bar, showing glimpses of what is to come in the upcoming World Cup.
2. Komal Thatal – The first ever Indian to score against Brazil, the 17-year-old is often called to be the Indian Andres Iniesta. The diminutive midfielder from Sikkim is touted to be one of India’s most talented player and is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United who plan to take him to their famed academy after the World Cup.
One of India’s most skillful player, his goal against Brazil where he dribbled past three defenders before wrong footing the goalkeeper, was a joy to watch and with 8 goals in 30 matches for the national team, Komal is one of India’s biggest hopes in the FIFA tournament.
3. Amarjit Singh Kiyam – Voted as the captain by his own teammates, the 16-year-old is one of the most hard working players in the field. With a passing range that creates goal scoring opportunities at every possible move, he is India’s vital cog in the upcoming World Cup and will be relied upon to provide final balls. He dreams to become like Andres Iniesta and can possibly do so if he carries on the with hard work.
4. Abhijit Sarkar – India’s new number 10 is a boy from West Bengal and with seven goals, he is India’s second highest goal scorer. Initially not a part of regular set up, Abhijit worked his way into the team and has now become a central figure in almost all the matches. Although he started late, he has already racked up 19 appearances in his kitty and with the pace and dribbling skills that he possesses a bright future awaits him. Hopefully he can create some of his magic even in the World Cup.
5. Jitendra Singh – Son of a watchman, Jitendra initially wanted to become a cricketer, but does not regret choosing football over the other. Although short in height he is De Matos’ most reliable defender in the team and had already played 28 out of the 30 matches. His positioning and ball playing skills are wonderful to watch and with Anwar Ali he will be India’s most important shield to stop attacks and keep the opposition strikers at bay.