Canadian PIO Drafted in Indian Squad For FIFA U-17 World Cup

Sunny Dhaliwal wished to represent national team in the World Cup will finally be fulfilled. His dream came true through All India Football Federation's (AIFF) online portal.

India included a new member in their U-17 squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. According to Times of India Sunny Dhaliwal, a Canada based PIO (Person of Indian Origin) goalkeeper, has been included in the Indian squad after he managed to get an Indian passport. Earlier, he attended a 10-day trial in Goa where he impressed India U-17 coach Luis Norton de Matos.

Sunny, an MLS side Toronto FC player got an opportunity to represent the Indian national team after he received an Indian passport on Thursday. The 6 feet 5-inch goalkeeper’s wish to represent national team in the World Cup will finally be fulfilled. His dream came true through All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) online portal.

“Sunny has got his passport and will join the team in Mexico. It was a (lengthy) process but I am thankful to (AIFF) president Praful Patel, the sports ministry and the home ministry who made this possible,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das was quoted as saying by TOI on Thursday.

However, he is not the first PIO. Earlier, US-based Namit, who holds Indian passport unlike Sunny, drafted into the Indian squad. Now, Sunny has also Indian and Canadian passports.

With Sunny’s inclusions in the team, India now have four goalkeepers in the squad.  However, coach Matos’ first choice is Manipur’s, Dheeraj Singh.  But, Sunny’s, who has an imposing figure, inclusion means Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Mohammad Nawaz, and Tamal Naskar will have to be on their toes.

“Sunny is a good find for the team. He has the talent to make it big. His height and an imposing figure is a big advantage in a tournament like the World Cup but he still needs to work hard to break into the starting eleven,” said a member of the India Under-17 coaching staff.

However, according to AIFF sources, the law allows minors to hold multiple citizenships, but they have to make a choice within six months whether he wants to retain Indian or foreign citizenship when a turns 18.

The Canadian goalkeeper will join Indian team in Mexico later this week as the Indian team is schooled to play an exposure tour in Mexico (August 3), Colombia (August 4) and Chile (August 6).

The U-17 World Cup is scheduled to start in October. The Indian team will be based in Delhi and have been grouped with the United States, Colombia, and Ghana.