Team India. PTIIndia are set to make a historic debut in the FIFA World Cup finals when they clash with the US at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on the opening day of the U-17 World Cup. Here is a glance at the Indian team coached by Portuguese Luis Norton de Matos.
Dheeraj Singh
Age: 17
Position: Goalkeeper
Native: Moirang (Manipur)
India's first-choice shot-stopper took to football only at the age of 12. The former district-level badminton champion will have his task cut out, with India pitted in a strong Group A, featuring the US, Colombia and Ghana.
Prabhsukhan Gill
Age: 16
Position: Goalkeeper
Native: Ludhiana (Punjab)
A product of the Chandigarh Football Academy, Prabhsukhan has also the distinction of playing for the Indian U-17 team as a defender in a couple of games. The second-choice custodian should be ready to step in if his services are needed.
Sunny Dhaliwal
Age: 17
Position: Goalkeeper
Birthplace: Toronto (Canada)
The 6-foot 5-inch goalkeeper gave up his Canadian passport in order to represent India. He has also trained with Major League Soccer club Toronto FC Academy.
Sanjeev Stalin
Age: 16
Position: Defender
Native: Bengaluru (Karnataka)
The left-back is Indian team's dead-ball specialist and will have to get going if India have to progress to the round of 16. Saneejv has fought all the way to make it to the Indian team as his father is a daily wage laborer, while his mother is a footpath vendor.
Boris Singh
Age: 17
Position: Defender
Native: Imphal (Manipur)
The Manipuri lad is pacey on the flanks and is known for his inch-perfect crosses. He will miss the first game against the US as he picked up a red card against Iran in the AFC U-16 Championship. His dad is a daily wage laborer, while his mom works in a provision shop.
Jitendra Singh
Age: 16
Position: Defender
Native: Kolkata (West Bengal)
The centre-back is the rock in India's defensive scheme of things. His form is crucial to India's fortunes. His is also a success saga as his father is a security guard and mother, a tailor.
Anwar Ali
Age: 17
Position: Defender
Native: Jalandhar (Punjab)
Jitender will be looking to team up with Anwar in the backline. The tall defender is the key to India winning the aerial duels. His first love was cricket, and he also started cattle rearing at the age of 8.
Hendry Antonay
Age: 17
Position: Defender
Native: Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Antonay was not named in the 30-member probables list, but de Matos recalled him for the big event. His grandfather, a former Karnataka Police player, guided him to the sport.
Namit Deshpande
Age: 17
Position: Defender
Birth place: New Jersey (US)
Namit was a member of the US Soccer Development Academy. However, he wanted to represent India and sent his videos to the All India Football Federation. He is the first NRI to play for the national team.
Suresh Singh
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Native: Imphal (Manipur)
The midfield maestro is known for his vision and intelligence. Suresh overcame the opposition of his father, a former badminton player, to pursue his passion.
Amarjit Singh
Age: 16
Position: Midfielder
Native: Thoubal (Manipur)
Amarjit was selected as captain by his teammates. The defensive midfielder is equally good while going forward. His father is a carpenter while his mom is a fish seller.
Jeakson Singh
Age: 16
Position: Midfielder
Native: Thoubal (Manipur)
The Manipuri teenager is the cousin of captain Amarjit. His dad was the first coach of both Jeakson and Amarjit.
Komal Thatal
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Native: Natang (Sikkim)
The boy from Sikkim, who wears No. 10, is the leading scorer of Indian team with nine goals. His parents are tailors.
Ninthoinganba Meetei
Age: 16
Position: Midfielder
Native: Imphal (Manipur)
Meetei's is an inspirational tale as he has overcome the loss of his father, who passed away due to thyroid cancer, to don India colors.
Lalengmawia
Age: 16
Position: Midfielder
Native: Aizawl (Mizoram)
The Mizo boy is likely to be used as a substitute by the coach. The taxi driver's son is expected to provide stability to the Indian midfield.
Nongdamba Naorem
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Native: Imphal (Manipur)
He started off as a goalkeeper. Naorem is equally good on both flanks and known for his passing ability.
K.P. Rahul
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Native: Thrissur (Kerala)
The lone Keralite in the Indian squad, Rahul's big break came when he was selected to represent the Kerala U-14 side. Mentored by his uncle, Rahul is equally good with both feet.
Mohammad Shahjahan
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Native: Imphal (Manipur)
Former Indian coach Adam dropped Shahjahan citing his lack of height, but de Matos was quick to notice his talent and brought him back.
Abhijit Sarkar
Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
Native: Kalyani (West Bengal)
The West Bengal player is a prolific scorer and is the fulcrum of the Indian team. His father is an auto driver, while his mother is works in a beedi company.
Aniket Jadhav
Age: 17
Position: Striker
Native: Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
The left-footed forward has to make it count if India wants to get the better of their group stage opponents.
Rahim Ali
Age: 17
Position: Striker
Native: Barrackpur (West Bengal)
The tall striker is physically very strong and will be a threat during set-pieces.
Read also: More U-17 World Cup stories | Peru stalemate leaves Argentina teetering on the brink
