India's Anwar Ali risks life with return to football owing to congenital heart condition

On Saturday, I-League 2nd division side Mohammedan Sporting Club anunced signing of 20-year old centre-back Anwar Ali on a one-year contract. Punjab-born defender was diagsed with a congenital heart condition at beginning of 2019-20 season which led to Ali and his former team Mumbai City FC mutually terminating player's contract due to health risks involved for Ali while playing sport. However, after spending nearly a year away from game due to a career-threatening medical condition, Anwar Ali is set to risk it all with a return to football, claiming that he doesn’t mind high risk that could see him suffer a cardiac arrest on field. 

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Anwar Ali heart condition: Anwar Ali heath risks in play amid return to football

Anwar Ali was one of standout performers for India during  2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup when tournament was held in India. With his strong performances, Anwar Ali was tipped to be a long-term permanent solution for Indian Football Team in central defence. Following a number of impressive displays with India, highly-rated defender was n picked up by ISL franchise Mumbai City FC in 2018 for a reported fee of ₹30 lakh with his contract at  club running until end of  2020-21 Indian football season. Unfortunately for Anwar Ali, he was diagsed with a congenital heart condition in October 2019. 

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Anwar Ali's health was at risk, with doctors advising youngster to stay away from sport. On January 30, 2020, Anwar Ali wrote a letter that read: "I am willing to sign any legal document to free club from any liability in case of any untoward incident or accident resulting from my pre-existing heart condition during matches or training matches." However, Mumbai City FC weren't willing to take any risks with Ali and two parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract as he wasn't allowed to take part in any of club's training sessions. 

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Anwar Ali signs for Mohammedan Sporting Club after nearly a year away from football

All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) n sent Ali to Rennes in France for treatment but it was reported that a return to sport was too much of a risk for talented youngster. However, after returning to his hometown in Punjab, Ali has w resurfaced with fresh reports deeming that defender is 'completely fit and ready to play'. I-League 2nd division side Mohammedan Sporting Club anunced signing of Ali on Saturday but club too are leaving thing to chance. 

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Ali is set to undergo ar medical test in Kolkata before Mohammedan SC allow him to join  training activities. If doctors deem Anwar Ali fit to play, AIFF will take ar call on his health. It's clear that Ali w has a huge uphill battle to resurrect his career in football after being away from sport for nearly a year. 

Im Credits - AP