If you take a look at Anwar Ali’s football career so far, you’ll experience one of the best rollercoaster rides ever. From stealing the limelight at the U-17 FIFA World Cup, announcing himself as one of Indian football’s most promising youngsters, to a sudden halt to his fledgling professional career as doctors advised him to call time after he was diagnosed with a heart disease.
But the Punjab-born defender came back like a warrior. He approached the Delhi High Court and ultimately reclaimed his livelihood. The AIFF provided approval for him to resume his professional career following a positive assessment from a cardiologist based in the UK. Since then, Anwar has never looked back. He started playing for Techtro Swades United, then returned to the Minerva Academy, and his stellar performances earned him an ISL contract from FC Goa. He proved his mettle for FC Goa in the ISL and received an India call-up, shining bright in the national jersey. Then, the defender signed for Mohun Bagan as one of the most valuable defenders in India.
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When things were falling into place for Anwar again, he faced another setback. Against Basundhara Kings of Bangladesh, he suffered a fracture in his right ankle and was knocked out of football action for around three months.
Both Mohun Bagan and the Indian team missed him badly, as in his absence, the green-and-maroon brigade fell through the exit door in the AFC Cup and lost three back-to-back games in the ISL. Anwar’s absence was also keenly felt in India’s performance in the AFC Asian Cup.
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The defender returned to Kolkata in the first week of January and has since undergone rehab sessions. After the Kalinga Super Cup, he resumed full-fledged training with the team under the tutelage of Antonio Lopez Habas. Now, he is all set to make his return in the blockbuster Kolkata Derby.
“He’s 100% fit,” Habas, Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s new head coach, confirmed in the pre-match press conference. Ranjit Bajaj, the owner of Minerva Punjab FC, closely assessed Anwar’s recovery at the Minerva Academy, and is confident that Anwar is set to return in the Green-and-Maroon colours after a long hiatus.
Tomorrow is the day my @anwarali04 makes a return after injury @Mohun_Bagan @mohunbagansg @IndSuperLeague @IndianFootball ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/sjZUlPkFQ5
— Ranjit Bajaj (@THE_RanjitBajaj) February 2, 2024
“He played for 70 minutes in the practice match and looked strong and better,” Bajaj, who is in regular contact with Anwar, said to RevSportz. “He can be up for selection in the upcoming derby.” The Minerva owner also tweeted on Friday, saying: “Tomorrow is the day my Anwar Ali makes a return after injury.”
Anwar’s return will strengthen Mohun Bagan’s backline without any doubt. The graph of conceding goals in his presence and absence has been contrasting. “Anwar is an important player for our team,” Subhasish Bose, Mohun Bagan’s captain, said at the press conference. “If he comes back to the playing XI, it will help a lot.”
The Bagan fans were eagerly waiting for Anwar’s comeback. Every time they have conceded goals due to defensive lapses, the fans have remembered him, and on Saturday, they will be hoping for a resounding performance from one of India’s best defenders.
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