We Can, Indian Football

Sunday, 28 November 2010 20:47 Saurabh Shishodia

iSporter Saurabh Shishodia is looking forward to the new season of the ONGC I-League which kicks off in a few days time. While there is a lack of sponsors and struggle by the AIFF to make the event a success, the game has caught the fancy of millions of Indian viewers following some of the best leagues in the world and will eventually spur the revolution needed in the country.

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New Delhi 28 Nov, 2010 : I don't know how to start this article, by good news or a bad news, let's start with a bad news for ONGC I-League which is our own domestic league may not have a broadcaster this season as Zee has terminated their 5 years contract by saying it is not a marketable property which I have to agree with them as they have lost a Whopping 250 Cr for nothing.

Also Read : ONGC I-League Fixtures List

Good news is Indian Football is riding high on the talent coming to Indian Football not because of great training facilities with the exception of Tata football academy but amount of European football they follow on Television like Eklavyas of Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger or Mourinhos. I watched Semi and final of recently concluded Duran Cup Final. Not to my surprise I see glimpses of some magic with short passing and great control of football on the lush green field of Ambedkar stadium where long ball strategy has been haunting Indian Football as well as English Football, may be Capello won't agree with me.

Sublime touches of a new poster boy Robin Singh may be the future star from India in Europe showed some glimpses of vision of a natural striker which can be perfect replacement for Bhaichung Bhutia but entirely different style of ball play.

As far as AIFF is concerned where people have written no of articles criticizing them rather than talking sense, has done decent job since Praful Patel has taken as President of organization.

They need a proper marketing team to get sponsors for brand connect and money in to the association with Praful Patel's network and they are in process in recruiting a team as they have put it on their website which has never got even hits in hundreds I guess. Getting a under 21 Indian team in I-league as Delhi as home ground was the most intelligent decision they have taken and I would like to congratulate them.

With 60 million football fans in India anything is possible but the initiative has to come from us who after doing an MBA degree joins an industry which has a turnover in billions dollars but not the sport which is in the hearts of billions because if we can play together we can live together happily!!!