One of India’s key players, Aniket Jadhav from Kolhapur is one to look out for in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, starting 6 October. As a striker, Aniket is one of the pillars of the national team’s attacking front.
Ahead of their historical campaign at the World Cup, The Quint caught up with the talented youth from Maharashtra.
Q. So, how excited are you for the World Cup?
A. It’s a privileged opportunity to play the World Cup for the first time in my life and I’m excited to play my first match against USA.
Q. How's the preparation going?
A. Preparation is going on well for the World Cup and the entire team is ready to give their 100 percent for our country and parents.
Q. Your first match is against USA who had put up a great show in CONCACAF U-17 Championship earlier this year. How important is the game?
A. Every match is important but we believe that the start should be good and we’re fully prepared for that.
Q. When were you introduced to football?
A. I started playing football when I was a kid and I would watch football tournaments in Kolhapur from where I started my football journey.
Q. At 14, you represented India in the FC Bayern Munich Youth Cup 2014. How was the learning experience?
A. It was a good experience to play against European players. I was the youngest player in the tournament and I learnt a lot about the technical aspect of the game from the foreign players.
Q. Your favourite food is ghar ka khanna. When did you have it last and how badly are you craving for it?
A. I had it two months back and I miss it a lot but then my mom and dad are visiting me today and they have brought some for me.
Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui
Producer: Vivek Das
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