If you thought cricket is the only popular sport in the country, think again. With the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Football being held in the country for the first time this year, and the Union Government’s latest Mission XI Million programme — the football fever is rising in India too.
Taking it a notch higher in Delhi NCR, the tournament SARE Homes HT Great Indian Football Action (GIFA) also hopes to develop a stronger sports culture in the city, by bringing youngsters closer to football and making it a “sport of choice” for them.
Young participants, under this tournament, will get a chance to be groomed by the best and will learn to compete according to international standards, so that they can grow into leading names on the field tomorrow. “A great initiative by HT. We need to continue this kind of initiatives at the grassroot level. Keep this passion alive always with the right balance. The event is good for grassroot development. I hope some of the players find a place in the Indian Super League (ISL) in future too,” says Florent Malouda, French professional footballer, who plays as a left winger for Indian club Delhi Dynamos.
Former Delhi Dynamos player and left midfielder for Indian Super League club Chennaiyin F.C, John Arne Riise feels football has the potential to soon become as big as cricket in India. “I think community initiatives like this are so important in helping to build Indian football. It is also part of the reason I came here. I know cricket is very big in India but hopefully football can catch up. It’s very important for kids to see that there is a future if you work hard and stay in sport,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}Former Delhi Dynamos player and left midfielder for Indian Super League club Chennaiyin F.C, John Arne Riise feels football has the potential to soon become as big as cricket in India. “I think community initiatives like this are so important in helping to build Indian football. It is also part of the reason I came here. I know cricket is very big in India but hopefully football can catch up. It’s very important for kids to see that there is a future if you work hard and stay in sport,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}So, if you share a common love for football and are hyped about the 13 weeks of intense footballing action, unite and be part of this unforgettable journey. Registrations are open till July 24.
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