As a child born in the early nineties, I was more of a cricket buff. The flashy batting of the Sri Lankans, fiercest bowling attacks of the Africans and Australians, and of course the frail one-man batting line up of Indians; cricket was absolutely a bliss. But then as time passed, Indian cricket evolved so did the fans of the game.With 2 World Cups, 2 Champions Trophy, 1 T20 World Cup and attaining temporary supremacy in Tests, and a very rich board; India has become a juggernaut in International Cricket.
I don't recall exactly when I started watching football, but I do follow football because of the love I developed for the game. Because I was only a player with limited abilities, watching football became an obsession. I chose Manchester United as my mecca in the footballing world and was fascinated by France (Zidane era) before attaining puberty. In the I-League, I followed Bengaluru FC, ISL its NorthEast FC and teams from other European leagues as well. But I did start watching football with France and Manchester United and later on moved to Indian football and I would not deny that.
There is a distinction in loving the game and following a football club which many people don't understand.
When I talk about Indian Football, its always the one story that I hear about how the Indian football team qualified during 1950 Jules Rimmet Trophy (Currently, FIFA World Cup), Brazil but couldn't play to their merit because 'they were used to barefoot football'. I am pretty sure most of football fans from India must be familiar with this story. But then the truth is that India never sent a team to Brazil that is why we didn't play. The reasons were lack of communication, finance and most importantly, selection of the team. See, 1950 was also the year India was hosting the Asian Games which was postponed to 1951. This was also another reason for not sending a team since it was the first time where Indians were the hosts and spending money on a football team for Brazil? Are you kidding? Anyway, Indian football's past is filled with one major success i.e. the 1948 World cup for playing in it, Nehru Cup and 'few cups here and there'.
Yesterday (12th March, 2015) I watched the pre-qualifier for 2018 World Cup, Russia against Nepal. I must admit that in all the years I've seen India playing football, they played the most attractive football yesterday. The pressing, the long through balls, the defensive abilities and some partially shoddy finishing got us the result of two nil. I still feel we could have scored at least 5 goals. But what I didn't like was the empty stadiums, and the horrible broadcasting. The pitch was great and so were the match officials. Star Sports, who created such massive PR strategies for the Indian Super League (ISL) was only limited to the bill boards in this match. If people do not even know that there's a crucial match for the national team, then how do you expect the fans to follow the national team? The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials were present and were saying how India is going great in football but is it the case here?
One can easily point fingers to cricket and the Indian football fans who only watch leagues from other countries but fail to follow football in India except the ISL. But then it won't be justified and these excuses are not genuine any more.
Indian Football following is in a rut which is not a surprise and football lovers from India cannot be blamed for supporting European clubs because there is a acute weakness in the communication process of the AIFF. Private news channels rarely feature I-League or Santosh Trophy features in their sports segment. Online content is also minimal for these competitions. The ISL was an absolute success which attracted record number of fans in the stadiums. One might say that it was the presence of international stars that made it happen. But besides retired international footballers, it was the brilliant PR strategies, Private partnership, humongous money by the government and a pro-active role of the AIFF that made it a big thing. Then what in the world is happening in the domestic league and cups? Why are the stadiums empty in an international qualifier when the basic tickets are just for INR 100.
There is a need to strengthen the communication in terms of fans. Star Sports can further enforce their media dictatorship by showing more action from I-league and other domestic cups and creating shows like 'Sizzling Chettri' or 'Subroto, the Wall' and can begin with something basic like 'Know your players'. But on a serious note, if private parties are given more investment opportunities and the football board be de-centralized, there is a chance that the sleeping giant, India can also dominate in the game of football. I am no expert in sports management but its even clear to me that the present set up is not working out. If ISL can be a big deal, why can't I-League and cup games be leveled to the same heights? Bengaluru FC is one team in the I-League where the fans even travel for away games! How did they do it? they just 'connected' with the fans.
BCCI has shown how money changes fortunes, then what is up with AIFF? Media houses and private parties have to take the initiative to strengthen the game in India. Currently, we are 171 (February 2015 ratings) in the World Rankings which is a shame because finances wise, India is better than most African countries in the rankings. Then where is it going wrong? India is not short of football fans but why the half-empty stadiums? Communication is the most crucial aspect which should be prioritized by the AIFF.
Lets support the game and our country, rather than sulking and shouting 'we never qualify' song. Small drops make up an ocean. Lets give the game a chance to thrive in a country driven by cricket, Bollywood, Ache din and Bans.
For starters, knowing the name of the players might be a good idea.
I don't recall exactly when I started watching football, but I do follow football because of the love I developed for the game. Because I was only a player with limited abilities, watching football became an obsession. I chose Manchester United as my mecca in the footballing world and was fascinated by France (Zidane era) before attaining puberty. In the I-League, I followed Bengaluru FC, ISL its NorthEast FC and teams from other European leagues as well. But I did start watching football with France and Manchester United and later on moved to Indian football and I would not deny that.
There is a distinction in loving the game and following a football club which many people don't understand.
When I talk about Indian Football, its always the one story that I hear about how the Indian football team qualified during 1950 Jules Rimmet Trophy (Currently, FIFA World Cup), Brazil but couldn't play to their merit because 'they were used to barefoot football'. I am pretty sure most of football fans from India must be familiar with this story. But then the truth is that India never sent a team to Brazil that is why we didn't play. The reasons were lack of communication, finance and most importantly, selection of the team. See, 1950 was also the year India was hosting the Asian Games which was postponed to 1951. This was also another reason for not sending a team since it was the first time where Indians were the hosts and spending money on a football team for Brazil? Are you kidding? Anyway, Indian football's past is filled with one major success i.e. the 1948 World cup for playing in it, Nehru Cup and 'few cups here and there'.
Yesterday (12th March, 2015) I watched the pre-qualifier for 2018 World Cup, Russia against Nepal. I must admit that in all the years I've seen India playing football, they played the most attractive football yesterday. The pressing, the long through balls, the defensive abilities and some partially shoddy finishing got us the result of two nil. I still feel we could have scored at least 5 goals. But what I didn't like was the empty stadiums, and the horrible broadcasting. The pitch was great and so were the match officials. Star Sports, who created such massive PR strategies for the Indian Super League (ISL) was only limited to the bill boards in this match. If people do not even know that there's a crucial match for the national team, then how do you expect the fans to follow the national team? The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials were present and were saying how India is going great in football but is it the case here?
One can easily point fingers to cricket and the Indian football fans who only watch leagues from other countries but fail to follow football in India except the ISL. But then it won't be justified and these excuses are not genuine any more.
Indian Football following is in a rut which is not a surprise and football lovers from India cannot be blamed for supporting European clubs because there is a acute weakness in the communication process of the AIFF. Private news channels rarely feature I-League or Santosh Trophy features in their sports segment. Online content is also minimal for these competitions. The ISL was an absolute success which attracted record number of fans in the stadiums. One might say that it was the presence of international stars that made it happen. But besides retired international footballers, it was the brilliant PR strategies, Private partnership, humongous money by the government and a pro-active role of the AIFF that made it a big thing. Then what in the world is happening in the domestic league and cups? Why are the stadiums empty in an international qualifier when the basic tickets are just for INR 100.
There is a need to strengthen the communication in terms of fans. Star Sports can further enforce their media dictatorship by showing more action from I-league and other domestic cups and creating shows like 'Sizzling Chettri' or 'Subroto, the Wall' and can begin with something basic like 'Know your players'. But on a serious note, if private parties are given more investment opportunities and the football board be de-centralized, there is a chance that the sleeping giant, India can also dominate in the game of football. I am no expert in sports management but its even clear to me that the present set up is not working out. If ISL can be a big deal, why can't I-League and cup games be leveled to the same heights? Bengaluru FC is one team in the I-League where the fans even travel for away games! How did they do it? they just 'connected' with the fans.
BCCI has shown how money changes fortunes, then what is up with AIFF? Media houses and private parties have to take the initiative to strengthen the game in India. Currently, we are 171 (February 2015 ratings) in the World Rankings which is a shame because finances wise, India is better than most African countries in the rankings. Then where is it going wrong? India is not short of football fans but why the half-empty stadiums? Communication is the most crucial aspect which should be prioritized by the AIFF.
Lets support the game and our country, rather than sulking and shouting 'we never qualify' song. Small drops make up an ocean. Lets give the game a chance to thrive in a country driven by cricket, Bollywood, Ache din and Bans.
For starters, knowing the name of the players might be a good idea.
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