NEW DELHI: "Sleeping giants", "passionate giants", so says FIFA however it's cheerleaders that best describes India when the arena's largest unmarried sport spectacle comes round each and every 4 years.
ALSO READ: Indian lovers to make presence felt at FIFA World Cup
Playing in a FIFA World Cup remains a pipe dream for India and if stalwarts of the sport -- comparable to Bhaichung Bhutia and IM Vijayan -- are to be believed, the situation is unlikely to change anytime quickly with distinct lack of "football culture" within the nation.
On and rancid, here and there, soccer is discussed within the build-up to the quadrennial FIFA event, however hopes of competing continue to frame on absurdity.
"I think that will remain so till we have a strong sporting culture, a strong football culture," Bhutia, who wore the blue jersey a record 104 instances during an illustrious career spanning a decade and a part, advised PTI.
Events, comparable to a pleasant global involving Lionel Messi's Argentina and a star-studded Bayern Munich turning up for Bhutia's farewell game, did generate exceptional frenzy all over the rustic however those at best can be termed as exceptions.
But the 41-year-old Bhutia feels extra "needs to be done" for the global sport in a rustic differently enamoured with cricket.
ALSO READ: When loving any other nation is completely OK!
FIFA remains convinced of soccer's attainable on this planet's 2d maximum populous country, its trust bookended by the successful web hosting of the U-17 World Cup closing year.
After a string of spectacular results during the last couple of years, India are these days ranked 97th within the FIFA chart, however ratings alone aren't a true reflection of growth.
"It's obviously great that we have done well in recent times, but if you talk of World Cup, then it's a different thing," Bhutia said, reiterating, "building a football culture is paramount".
"There is no dearth of talent, the infrastructure is much better now, and youth development schemes are being initiated. But culture is one thing that is still missing," the 'Sikkimese Sniper' harped.
The 41-year-old Bhutia himself is one of India's best strikers to have played the sport.
Vijayan, the person who preceded Bhutia because the torchbearer of Indian soccer, used to be incessantly described as one born in a improper nation owing to his precocious talent.
He also feels there's lack of soccer culture in primary pockets of India.
"That is there, I agree. I feel our clubs and associations must look ahead to tying up with best clubs from in another country, and after I say tie-up it's not only for the heck of it, I mean critical tie-ups.
"For instance, the Barcelona academy will do a global of excellent to our budding footballers," the 49-year-old Vijayan said.
India is stuffed with soccer talent, Vijayan is convinced, and he recalled a gathering with a international scout to buttress his point.
"We were discussing that after we put the Indian age-group children some of the ones from different soccer countries, you'll no longer be capable of differentiate the Indians and those from in different places.
"As the players grow, it is important that the transition into the senior team happens in the best possible way," Vijayan said.
"Now, if one talks about World Cup qualification, it is obviously difficult at this point to say when we would be able to play, but really hope that we are there, if not in 10, then in 20-25 years' time at least."
Stressing on early life building, Vijayan said it's crucial to "catch them young".
"Scouting has to start early, as early as eight-nine years. Select the ones who show promise and keep them together for long enough. There are no two ways about it - having sound grassroots programmes is a must to revive our fortunes."
ALSO READ: Indian lovers to make presence felt at FIFA World Cup
Playing in a FIFA World Cup remains a pipe dream for India and if stalwarts of the sport -- comparable to Bhaichung Bhutia and IM Vijayan -- are to be believed, the situation is unlikely to change anytime quickly with distinct lack of "football culture" within the nation.
On and rancid, here and there, soccer is discussed within the build-up to the quadrennial FIFA event, however hopes of competing continue to frame on absurdity.
"I think that will remain so till we have a strong sporting culture, a strong football culture," Bhutia, who wore the blue jersey a record 104 instances during an illustrious career spanning a decade and a part, advised PTI.
Events, comparable to a pleasant global involving Lionel Messi's Argentina and a star-studded Bayern Munich turning up for Bhutia's farewell game, did generate exceptional frenzy all over the rustic however those at best can be termed as exceptions.
But the 41-year-old Bhutia feels extra "needs to be done" for the global sport in a rustic differently enamoured with cricket.
ALSO READ: When loving any other nation is completely OK!
FIFA remains convinced of soccer's attainable on this planet's 2d maximum populous country, its trust bookended by the successful web hosting of the U-17 World Cup closing year.
After a string of spectacular results during the last couple of years, India are these days ranked 97th within the FIFA chart, however ratings alone aren't a true reflection of growth.
"It's obviously great that we have done well in recent times, but if you talk of World Cup, then it's a different thing," Bhutia said, reiterating, "building a football culture is paramount".
"There is no dearth of talent, the infrastructure is much better now, and youth development schemes are being initiated. But culture is one thing that is still missing," the 'Sikkimese Sniper' harped.
The 41-year-old Bhutia himself is one of India's best strikers to have played the sport.
Vijayan, the person who preceded Bhutia because the torchbearer of Indian soccer, used to be incessantly described as one born in a improper nation owing to his precocious talent.
He also feels there's lack of soccer culture in primary pockets of India.
"That is there, I agree. I feel our clubs and associations must look ahead to tying up with best clubs from in another country, and after I say tie-up it's not only for the heck of it, I mean critical tie-ups.
"For instance, the Barcelona academy will do a global of excellent to our budding footballers," the 49-year-old Vijayan said.
India is stuffed with soccer talent, Vijayan is convinced, and he recalled a gathering with a international scout to buttress his point.
"We were discussing that after we put the Indian age-group children some of the ones from different soccer countries, you'll no longer be capable of differentiate the Indians and those from in different places.
"As the players grow, it is important that the transition into the senior team happens in the best possible way," Vijayan said.
"Now, if one talks about World Cup qualification, it is obviously difficult at this point to say when we would be able to play, but really hope that we are there, if not in 10, then in 20-25 years' time at least."
Stressing on early life building, Vijayan said it's crucial to "catch them young".
"Scouting has to start early, as early as eight-nine years. Select the ones who show promise and keep them together for long enough. There are no two ways about it - having sound grassroots programmes is a must to revive our fortunes."
World Cup dream: Bhutia, Vijayan question India's football culture
![World Cup dream: Bhutia, Vijayan question India's football culture]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
June 10, 2018
Rating:
