India recently hosted the U-17 World Cup, the first FIFA.
This experience shows that India must build on it with focus on grassroots.
What is the significance of U-17 World cup?
This U-17 World Cup has proved to be a real eye-opener,the standard and quality have been very high up until now.
It’s an educating, enriching experience for everyone related to Indian football.
Awesome individual skills have combined with superb tactical sense and fantastic game management.
India’s U-17 players got the sort of exposure and opportunity that they would not otherwise have.
The footballers captured the imagination of the public, with players like goalkeeper becoming household names.
India embraced the tournament wholeheartedly, with the turnout over the three weeks shattering previous attendance records for a FIFA youth tournament.
Over 1.3 million people thronged the stadiums, with the crowds in football-crazy Kolkata in particular a sight to behold during the finals.
What are the areas India need to plan on football?
India already started a national U-15 league two years ago and a U-13 league is scheduled to begin soon.
The 5-12 age group must now be the focus, with the involvement of local clubs.
The All India Football Federation has already expressed a desire to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019.
Having competently staged a global event, it is more important now to focus on the grassroots.
Youth development in Indian football has hitherto been non-existent, except in a few, devoted academies.
More organised, competitive football, starting from the youngest of age groups, is vital.
Improvement in infrastructure, with new training grounds built and existing stadiums upgraded, should ensure a longer legacy for football in the country.
