New Delhi: The U-17 FIFA World Cup is one month away but Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia feels that the upcoming tournament has already made its impact with several academies and age group clubs cropping up in the country.
Former India football captain Bhutia agreed with the view of the football officials and the experts that the October 6-28 event, the first ever FIFA tournament in the country, will be a game changer.
“In terms of organisation, I see that the U-17 World Cup will be a successful one. I feel it is already a success. This prestigious tournament will only help the country in its bid to raise the profile of football.
“If the players produce good results in the tournament, it will be a motivation for the country and the players to do even better (in future),” said Bhutia.
Bhutia said because of the U-17 WC, football infrastructure in the country has improved. “There has been a huge improvement in infrastructure at the grassroot level. More than 100 football academies have registered with the AIFF. More than 50 clubs have registered for the U-19 League (of the AIFF). It is all because of this U-17 WC,” Bhutia asserted.
India has been clubbed with USA, Ghana and Colombia in a tough Group A. Asked about India’s chances in the tournament, Bhutia said, “As far as the performance of the boys is concerned, it will be tough for them (to wriggle out of the group stage). But it is not impossible. They will have to play their best and you never know (what will happen) in football.”
press trust of india
