Raising the Bar: India's Ambitious Football Future in Question

In Rajya Sabha, Congress member Jose K Mani raised concerns about India's football future after Curacao, a Dutch-Caribbean island, qualified for the World Cup. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussed grassroots initiatives and AIFF's plans, highlighting struggles and developments under the Khelo India scheme.

During a recent session in the Rajya Sabha, Congress member Jose K Mani expressed concerns regarding India's football future. He cited the example of Curacao, a small Dutch-Caribbean island with a minuscule population, which recently qualified for the FIFA World Cup. This prompted him to question Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya about India's long-term strategy for achieving similar success.

Mandaviya responded by affirming the government's commitment to improving football at the grassroots level, while emphasizing that the All India Football Federation (AIFF), recognized as the National Sports Federation for football, is pivotal in this cause. Mandaviya highlighted AIFF's ambitious plans aimed at both men's and women's national teams, despite the federation's ongoing challenges in securing a commercial partner for domestic leagues.

In addition, Mandaviya detailed the progress within the government's Khelo India scheme, announcing that 28,214 athletes have been trained at 991 Khelo India Centres across the country. These efforts illustrate a significant commitment towards nurturing talent and elevating India's international football profile.

(With inputs from agencies.)