I have dreamt of representing my nation at a FIFA World Cup- Anwar Ali

Minerva Punjab Academy defender tells his story ahead of next month's big event.

When the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India kicks-off on October 06, 2017 with India facing USA in a Group A match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Anwar Ali will perhaps have a chance to fulfil his lifelong dream.

“The moment I started playing football, I dreamt of representing my nation in the FIFA World Cup”, But was it specifically the FIFA U-17 World Cup? “It did not matter until it was a FIFA World Cup, but I am very privileged and honoured to be a part of the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad.”

“It will be a dream come true if I get a chance to represent the nation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India. I will be on cloud nine on that”, after a moment's’ pause he adds, “It will be surreal, even thinking about it right now gives me goosebumps.”

Also Read

• I'm the embodiment of my father, who wanted to be a professional footballer': Mohammad Rakip
• My priority is to make my nation proud in the FIFA U-17 World Cup: Boris Singh
• Test your knowledge by trying to identify all India U-17 World Cup Players
• Don't Regret Choosing Football Over Cricket: India U-17 Defender Jitendra Sing

Anwar Ali Defender: India U-17 World Cup Squad 

“I can almost taste the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India now, but I know there is still a long way to go and even though there are less than 30 days, the hard-work that we are putting in as a team has doubled.”

Born in a family of three sisters, Anwar Ali was always the family’s golden eyed boy. It was Anwar’s father who introduced him to football and Anwar took to the sport like a swimmer to the sea. “I fell in love with football the first day I kicked the ball. It was something else, it had a beauty of its own.”

“Its very difficult to describe in words, but if not for football I don't know what I would have been doing with my life. 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. My father used to play football as well and he has been a rock in guiding me through tough times that I faced”, Anwar opines.