India will be hosting the Under-17 football world cup for the first time in 2017. Teenagers in the city are already making plans
Of late, the country has been abuzz with talk about the foot ball World Cup in the air.
No, we're not talking about Brazil 2014. It's India 2017. India will host the Under-17 Football World Cup in 2017 despite having received tough competition from Ireland, South Africa and Uzbekistan to play host. By virtue of this, the Indian team automatically qualifies for the World Cup and needless to say, the entire fraternity in India is looking forward to it. Adhip Bhandary, the founder of The Bangalore Youth Football League, thinks the World Cup will cause a 'trickle down' effect and make grass-root level football grow.
“I see more parents enrolling their children in football academies. They now know that football can be a career in India. We already have enough stadiums with artificial turfs, thanks to FIFA's Goal project.
It's a matter of time before sponsors recognise real talent.“ he says.
Although some people are skeptical about such an event after the Common Wealth Games fiasco, a few believe that the World Cup gives the country a chance to salvage its pride. “Since we have time, the infrastructure can be improved.
This World Cup will compel authorities to put up an outstanding show,“ says Suraj Kannan, a sports blogger.
Mohamad Rafik, of Ozonegroup Football Academy, says, “In terms of infrastructure I hand it out to AIFF's technical director Rob Baan for nurturing young talent outstandingly . India is doing good on the technical side but how we take it forward is what counts.“ Nishchal Naidu, a football player from the city, says, “This is a life altering event especially for youngsters, who'll be watching the game's next superstars in their own backyard.“
