10 Indian sporting prodigies who made a mark in 2017

2017 was a great year for India in sports. From hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup to recording a historic year in badminton, it was a year full of sporting achievements and milestones for the youth of the country.

It would be fair to say that the future is looking bright for Indian sports. As 2017 draws to a close, let's have a look at some of the flagbearers at the junior level, who emerged this year and look set to fly the tricolour high.

(Note: The list covers athletes from 10 different sports)

Dheeraj Singh (Football)

The Manipur-born goalkeeper represented India in the recently concluded U-17 World Cup and was hailed as the 'find of the tournament' by none other than former Indian team skipper Bhaichung Bhutia. He made sixteen saves in three matches, with a save percentage of over 60 percent and stood out in what was a historic campaign for Indian football.

It was quite natural that after all the praise, the 16-year-old received a trial offer from reputed Scottish first division club Motherwell and English third-division Blackburn Rovers, along with interest from ISL sides.

Currently, he is on a contract with AIFF and plays for the side Indian Arrows in I-League, which expires on 31st December and he can go abroad next year for trials with several clubs.