‘Only foreign exposure can help us grow’: Praful Patel
Despite his hectic schedule as civil aviation minister, Praful Patel has been doubling up as the president of All India Football Federation (AIFF) since December last.
His dream is to see “Indian football at the top”, and wants the resurrection to begin at the Asian Cup in 2011. He believes a good performance at Doha will change the face of Indian football. Patel spoke to Times of India on matters pertaining to Indian soccer.
Excerpts from the interview:
Indian football is in a state of transition. Which way is it headed?
No matter what the results, the national team has to have a sustained participation at the international level. After all, the senior team’s performance will generate a lot more fan following. Training sessions in Barcelona and Dubai are only part of the development programmes but I would love to see Indian teams taking part in more international events. A good result abroad will enhance the interest in the game. Personally, I am really excited about India’s participation in the 2011 Asian Cup. Besides, the effort is also being made to prepare our youth teams (U-16, U-19, U-21) knowing well that they could be the future prospects.
AIFF has a lot of negative publicity. How would you plan to change it?
There may have been shortcomings but it’s definitely not an easy task to revamp the football structure in a huge country like India. We need to work collectively. I want to sit and discuss with everyone right from the senior players, coaches, state associations and administrators and talk about how we can develop the game since it has the next biggest following in the country after cricket. So, I am still hopeful and I promise that things will definitely improve.
Don’t you agree there should be transparency in federation’s work?
Until and unless there is some sort of transparency, we won’t be able to improve. Besides, every state association has to work towards overall development. A collective effort is needed from all the clubs and we need their support.
There are rumours that your sponsor might back out of the contract…
Not really. As of now they (Zee) have been cooperative and supportive in all our endeavours. They have promised to continue their support to football. Let me assure you, money is not a problem for us.
Is the Bharti-AIFF Academy project gone for good?
No. It’s still in the pipeline. I am still working out for an alternative plan to implement it. Bharti and us are still interested in the academy. AIFF will have a new secretary soon.
Who would be your ideal candidate?
I guess a lot of people have already applied for the post. Quantity (number of applications) is not important. I will definitely go for someone who is qualified for the post. AIFF secretary’s job is a challenging one hence the person has to be dynamic in his leadership and one who is involved with development of the game.
Source: The Times of India
