As the FIFA U-17 World Cup wrapped up on a wildly successful note, FIFA’s chief Gianni Infantino declared India as ‘a football country’. Besides becoming the most-attended event (toppling China 1985), the 2017 edition also witnessed the most number of goals being scored in the tournament’s history.
The overwhelming response and organizational success of this prestigious World Cup event has led to much talk about India’s bid for the U-20 World Cup in 2019. But it is well known that FIFA has never allowed back to back World Cups to one country. So while the chances of that happening may seem bleak, the FIFA chief did hint about India hosting the U-20 World Cup soon. India, who received an automatic qualification spot as hosts, will have their work cut out to qualify when the World Cup is being held anywhere else. After a valiant effort by the Blue Colts in the U-17 edition, preparations have already begun for the tourneys ahead.
In our previous feature Finally a New Dawn for Football in India, we mentioned the Mission XI Million – an outreach program held across the country that encourages and scouts our footballing potential. The AIFF hopes to continue this program with support from the Indian government. There are also going to be under-13/15 and 18 National leagues to go hand in hand. The next step is to start ‘Baby Leagues’ for age group 6-12. The AIFF also wants to make an effort towards synergising all youth development projects (like Khelo India) to get a steady move on things. The intent is to slowly build competitive national teams over the course of the next five to seven years.
© Goal
On the flip side, as always is with sports in India, the AIFF says that funds are still a constraint – especially when it comes to running cross-country campaigns. While highly relying on the buzz that the FIFA Under-17 World Cup has created, they are hopeful that the government along with state associations and corporates will chip in and contribute to the cause of football. The AIFF says that it is very difficult for the NSF (National Sports Federation) to cater to such a large country with limited resources on hand.
Really! Well, in that case, maybe the BCCI should spare some of its vast fortune towards the development of other sports in our country. Having dominated the sports market ‘since forever’, haven’t they earned well enough! Maybe it’s time to share and care, don’t you think? Or else the NSF, AIFF and other sports federations should learn from example.
– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports
