Fundamental changes in Indian Football to be endorsed by FIFA

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President, Praful Patel addressed the success of the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) and highlighted the fact of several fans thronging to the stadiums to watch the action. This league, according to him, has received an overwhelming response from all the corners of the country. It is because Nita Ambani took personal interest and so IMG-Reliance. It took more than three years and in this time frame many issues were resolved and proper infrastructure were intended to be implemented. Indian Super League is surely a great success and has witnessed an average attendance of the audience at the stadium has been nearly 30,000.

AIFF President Praful Patel had, in this regard, has contested the critics who had their reservations in bringing international stars to India as to how would they get an average football fan to follow and like domestic action. It has been recorded that the TRP of the ISL is almost 50 per cent of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although it is still early to predict on the future prosperity of the league, yet it is drawing a huge number of sports enthusiasts. There are people who were skeptical about the incorporation of foreign players in the team, but today it has become a common trend that kids watch international football more than that of the domestic ones.

He further explained, “Indian players are also getting the rub-off effect the benefit of playing with international players. Over the period of time, we'll create our own icons. As the national team starts doing better, then they'll get recognition and whole country will start following them.” Patel further acknowledged that India has a long way to go before it can compete with some of the best nations in the continent. He confirmed that he is passionate about the development of Indian Football and getting the sport an international recognition. 

Praful Patel profile as the AIFF President has been highly relevant in the context of progress of Indian Football. As the Chief claimed, India, although being the champions in the 50s, could not qualify for the world cup due to the lack of proper infrastructure and resources. It is surely a positive change for India as the world football fraternity, especially FIFA, has acknowledged the fundamental changes are taking place in India. The results are expected to be visible within next 3 to 5 years. Praful Patel is also the president of Western India Football Federation (WIFF) and is making sure every kind of development and progress take place in the footballing activities in the state of Maharashtra.

As he said, “Cricket is a great sport but limited to a handful of countries. I have very fond memories of football and hockey. Whenever I got a chance to do anything, I'd rather go to any of these two. I felt football is truly the most global sport – not even hockey or cricket. As a result, I became the president of Maharashtra Football Association.” The AIFF President, further, mentioned that while the standard of the football in India needs to improve, it would not be able to change itself overnight. Instead, a new generation of players will have to be cultivated who will be technically and physically competent to compete against the best of the players.

It is no wonder, a tough job to change the entire framework of the game. He asserted, “Most people criticise without realising how difficult it is. Rankings are low but they can't be corrected overnight. It's not just you bring two good coaches or physical instructors to change. You have to create a new generation of footballers from childhood. In India, our footballer would probably not last the entire game like an average footballer from better playing nations. That's why we have to develop our kids from the grassroots.”

Patel highlighted the fact that AIFF is presently running regional academies in order to develop and nurture the talents so that they can prepare themselves in the finest way when India hosts and participates in the Under -17 World Cup in 2017. There are six regional academies which are building up talents who have been selected and scouted from remote corners of the country. 

There are 150 kids presently and all will be trained with sufficient food, education and lodging. The kids have to be incorporated with the right kind of education and training which infusing them with the focus on their games only.  Patel signed off saying, “That's why we pitched for the World Cup under-17. After that, we'll go to World Cup under-20 so same kids will transition. By the time they are 23-24, we'll think of entering the World Cup. That is the thought.” 

Author’s Bio: AIFF President Praful Patel is enthralled to share the fact that FIFA is highly endorsing football in India and in this way the sports is getting ample exposure and facilities. To know more about Praful Patel biography, visit his official website or browse his social pages on Facebook and Twitter.

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