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How will the FIFA World Cup benefit India?

June 12, 2014 15:07 IST
Children play soccer in front of a wall, decorated with pictures of international footballers and their national flags, on the outskirts of Kolkata

With the world gearing up for the FIFA World Cup on June 12 in Brazil young footballers are enthusiastically training with local clubs in the hope of taking football to newer heights in the country.

India will host to the under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017, which is a huge step forward for the sport at a national level.

Even national leagues like the I-League and the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) might set the pace for an Indian football team that can match with the best internationally.

Director and President of the New Delhi based Hindustan Football Club, D.K. Bose, said that a change is bound to come in the Indian football system, even though it will take time. He said change is a process and it takes time to apply.

Football is sure to have an impact in India sooner than later

June 12, 2014 15:07 IST
Vendor Mohammad Nihar, 15, arranges World Cup team jerseys at a roadside stall in Kolkata

Bose, who has been the president of the Hindustan Football Club for almost 30 years now, also said that football is becoming more organized in India, with tougher rules being put in place to ensure fair play.

Bose said the ISL might not initially be similar to the English Premier League or the Champions League, but would be a sure success in the future.

Young footballers said they were excited about the World Cup and plan to watch the matches.

Brazil, Argentina and Spain were among their favorite teams and players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi their favorite footballers.

Football is sure to have an impact in India sooner than later not withstanding the fact that the sport has nearly a 125-year-old history in the country.