PM to strengthen Indian football team

Dasmunsi has earlier talked to the Brazilian envoy in New Delhi to seek his help in getting coaches and training for Indian footballers.

In what would gladden the hearts of football lovers, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said he would take up the question of Brazil helping India in developing its football prowess during his official visit in Brasilia.

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Just before landing in Brasilia, Manmohan Singh told accompanying media: "Brazil's credentials as a football power are well known. Priyaranjan Dasmunsi (All India Football Federation president) has asked me to raise this matter with the government of Brazil even though this does not happen to be a subject between two governments."

He said if India were to organize the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, "we must improve our capabilities in our sports". This could be done by cooperation with other countries, including getting coaches from Brazil and Cuba, the other country he was visiting later this week.

Dasmunsi, who is also the information and broadcasting minister, had earlier talked to the Brazilian envoy in New Delhi to seek his help in getting coaches and training for Indian footballers.