India at the World Cup

One more edition of the Football World Cup is over and South Africa is getting ready to host the 2010 edition of the World Cup. Australia is showing their keenness to make a bid for the 2018 World Cup. National teams have already started to prepare for the next edition by naming their Coaches.

The All India Football Federation has plans to come out with an ambitious 2010/2014 Goal Project in October 2006 with a hope of seeing India qualify for the 2010 edition or if not for the 2014 World Cup. The Asian Football Confederation and FIFA are backing this project with an aim to see that India are put up on the Football Global map.

The All India Football Federation has begun in right earnest by appointing Bob Houghton as the National Coach. The new Coach has seen the National players in action at the recent Coaching Camp and is happy with their performance. He has advised the AIFF to induct expatriates into the Indian team. These players who are of Indian origin and who are playing in various clubs abroad should be persuaded to play for their country for which the Federation should also be able to pay them well. There will not be much problem regarding the financial aspect as the AIFF has signed a 10 year deal with ZEE Sports which gained them Rs.273 crores and a 7 year deal with NIKE to supply national teams with apparel, footwear and equipment.

The introduction of the Pro League in the next season and some plans for the Youth Development programmes and opening of some Academies has put Indian Football on the right track. Results will not be possible in the immediate future but in the long run if these plans are put in place definitely we can see good days in Indian Football. Since a target has been set ie. "QUALIFYING FOR WORLD CUP", we can look ahead to reach the same and if we cannot make it during the next two editions at least our ranking in the Asian Zone will definitely go up and this will be a stepping stone in reaching the World Cup in future editions.

The AIFF needs the backing and support of the Players, Clubs, Corporate, State Associations the Union Government, the Media and the Football loving people to achieve this goal. Let us all join together and help them in achieving this goal.