KOLKATA: Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said on Sunday that organisations like FIFA now have started giving importance to India and the country should make the best use of it.
At the prize distribution ceremony of the Under 17 World Cup in Kokata, Rathore said the government would “bring up more infrastructure and prepare elite athletes by looking after their funding and resources.” You have seen the overall infrastructure and the modifications that have come in place have been very satisfying. We now need to be prepared for the upcoming competitions,” he added. Rathore described the success of the World Cup as an opportunity to popularise soccer across India as the game is popular only in a few regions like West Bengal, Goa and North East.
Lauding the Indian Under 17’s teams efforts at the recently concluded World Cup, Rathore said he hoped they will be able to qualify for the World Cup in near future. The success of FIFA Under-17 World Cup will motivate India’s upcoming footballers to improve their game, he added.
“We have got the start. We should not stop here. I hope we get the U-20 World Cup, so that the start gets even bigger momentum. I believe if things go on like this, it is not far when India will play in a World Cup on their own,” Rathore said.
