NEWS
MATCH REPORTS
DIARY
OTHER SPORTS
SLIDE SHOW
PEOPLE
ARCHIVES

Slow-death

One of the things that has struck me since my arrival in England is the professionalism with which football is run.

The success of the English clubs is mainly due the way their federation and professional associations are run, and the help they can get from them. The same can be applied to clubs. This is, obviously, specially true of the Premier League clubs. The professional way in which they are run attracts investment. This comes from various sources: local business, corporate business, television rights etc. Many of them have become plc companies quoted in the stock exchange. With excellent marketing, their merchandise is sold worldwide - even through the web site - and income is thus increased; result, their shares increase.

And what do they use this money for? Primarily it is put back into the club. They all have youth development projects - this means extra good training facilities are required, as well as a coaching team. Some of these players will make it to the first team, and be successful. Others will be sold to other teams. And, as is the way in this world, some will not make it as players, but may still remain in the game in some other capacity. This way the standards of the game always goes higher.

So why are things so different in India?

India has the second biggest population in the world from where to find players. India has a very successful business community that could invest money. India has a very large number of local and national newspapers that could cover the game. Football has been around India for over 100 years, introduced to them by the English. And yet, despite the acknowledged fact that football is a global game, played by the rich and the poor, in India it is slowly dying.

To be honest, there is no proper youth programe, facilities, guidance and lot lot more.

A few years ago, it appeared that something was being done when a national league structure was put in place, and the announcement of this event was widely publicised. There was great hope and expectations among the lovers of the game. Everyone was able to follow the teams - to know where they were playing, when they were playing, whom they were playing against. They were able to watch them and follow the ups and downs of each team. However, two to three years later, the interest and the popularity in the National League has fallen. The reason for this remains a mystery.

This year one of the main competitions in the country, the Federation Cup, has been cancelled. Why was this? This is the biggest blow dealt to Indian football in many years. Here we are at the start of the 21st century, and instead of moving forwards we are galloping backwards. The way India is going it might never become a football force to be reckoned within Asia; it may just continue the way it is.

The above can only damage the outlook of the sport in India and endanger its future development. For football to survive and thrive in India, the right environment must be created. It must attract peoples from all classes, not just the lower and middle classes. It must attract, and keep, the interest of future generations that will ensure the success of Indian football for generations to come.

Football can only improve if it is well managed, well marketed and run in a very professional way. This way the clubs can benefit, they will be able to set up youth development schemes etc. At present, they are struggling to make their first team.

Something must be done to put India on the football map. Who will give the helping hand? If no one does then, maybe God should !!!