I do not know if the time is right to say that Indian football is on a rise, but let’s have realistic expectations from our team.
Indian football is making an impact on international level with the Indian Super League coming to the fore but what about the Indian national team?
I remember India was once not permitted to play barefoot at Brazil 1950 and withdrew despite a strong continental record in the 1950s and 1960s. The world’s second most populous nation didn’t play its first FIFA World Cup qualifier until 1985.
The Indian football squad failed to impress at the FIFA events ever since their disqualification from the 1950 World Cup. The team struggled to find their form. They suffered early exits in their attempts to qualify for South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, losing to Lebanon and United Arab Emirates in the opening round.
Let’s be honest, the quality of football is below par, when pitted against Asian powerhouses like Japan, South Korea and Iran. But, the sleeping giant now has raised its head. India is not only considering the World Cup qualification but is also living up to the billing.
Another surprise, India officially met all the requirements for the Under 17 FIFA World Cup and were awarded the rights to host the 2017 competition.
Nine host cities were short-listed. New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Margao, Bangalore, Kolkata, Kochi, Guwahati, and Navi Mumbai.
The AIFF cleared Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Margao and Kolkata as the venues for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup following the FIFA’s technical report. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi) was the first venue to be announced.
Former Indian cricketer, Sourav Ganguly was handed over the important role of the brand ambassador of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The writing on the wall was crystal clear; Indian football had matured, it was the beginning of a new chapter scripted by the cricket frenzy nation.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) deserves huge credit for this change. But, they need to ensure that the players are prepared and meet all requirements in establishing India as a football powerhouse.
The AIFF announced the introduction of the U-15 youth league. The aim of the league is to prepare a rock hard team for the U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017. A lot will depend on the performance of the U-17 team in 2017 World Cup. Some of these players will aspire to take on the role of Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri.
They could well look forward to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and be the pillars of support for the Indian football team. A lot will also now depend on the coach to lead the Indian squad to victory.
Bob Houghton’s appointment as head coach of India in June 2006 saw a general progress in India’s performances.
Houghton led India to the AFC Challenge Cup title as they beat Tajikistan 4–1 in August 2008, which gave India a berth at the Asian Cup 2011 in Doha. He also oversaw the Indian team to its second consecutive Nehru Cup win in 2009.
Houghton’s last assignment as India coach was the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 qualifiers in Malaysia, where India topped Group B which included Pakistan, Chinese Taipei and Turkmenistan.
When the Indian team is compared to their past, than the future of Indian football looks promising. Stephen Constantine, Englishman , who returned as coach early in 2015 has enjoyed a colourful coaching career that includes stints in England and Cyprus, as well as taking charge of Nepal, Malawi, Sudan and Rwanda.
But, now things are different. India is performing well at different levels however, they still need to master the art of series wins.
Football is a team sport. One has to remember that a sole individual won’t have the capacity to accomplish what the nation dreams. It remains to be seen if India plays in a FIFA World Cup in the coming future.
