I was watching Sports-Center (ESPN) yesterday.They gave a report about the India-Lebanon football match held in Goa.The reporter claimed that the match was closely contested,but the Indian team squandered a 1-0 halftime score and drew 2-2 with the visiting team.This means the team lost the two legged tie 6-3 and there ended their chance to feature in an another football World-cup.I just couldn’t stop thinking…where is Indian football headed to..

Take a simple example…there is a small country called Togo in Africa.Its population is not even 5% of India’s population.More than 60% of the population live below poverty line($ 1 per day).You all must be thinking why am i saying all this.Because this same country battled all odds and made it to the last world-cup hosted by Germany in 2006.It played with the likes of Germany and Poland which are considered one of the most developed countries in the world as far as technology and football is concerned.Come to think about it..how could a small country like Togo do something that a country like India couldn’t do since 1950.

Thats because people there had a dream..a dream in which they saw themselves playing against their idols on the football pitch,a dream where they saw their national flags being waved by their fans at the greatest platform a player can get to showcase their talent,i.e the world-cup.A dream they made a reality through hard work and dedication.

Why cant a country like India,with such a large population and better infrastructure than Togo,not qualify for a major event like a world-cup.Thats a question the Indian masses have to ask themselves.When team games like cricket and hockey can get recognition at the world stage,then why not football.Some of the major challenges we now face and their simple remedies are:

1) No Proper Training:The training to kids have to start early so that they develop into professionals much earlier than they do now.

2)No Infrastructure:Multi-purpose stadiums are a way out of this problem.

3)Negligible Government Support:The Government have to come forward and support the institutions who help nurture young talent and provide financial support to these organizations.

4)No Tie-ups with other football associations :There should be more exposure to the players about the way other countries play their football.For that there should be more matches with other teams.

5)No Passion For The Game:We must learn from the European countries how to play football with passion for the country.The way they show their spirit for the game is so refreshing to see.We must try to develop the same attitude and play the game not only to geta government job.

Small steps at grass root level will ensure that the future is bright for indian football.Lets just hope the AIFF (All India Football Federation) if listening to this…