Football is not just about kicking the ball like a fool. It's about penetrating deep into the roots of this beautiful game. That's the reason why the world hails this game as the king of all sports. However, countries like India are an exception. It pains me to cull that this sport doesn't get it's due in a nation filled to the brim with over a billion people. It pains all the more to see that the existing football aficionados give all their time and attention to the game played in Europe. They find Indian football to be tacky and modane. But they don't fall short of criticising Indian football when the national team fails to qualify for the World cup. These people are like chameleons, who change colours. They brag about themselves to be football fanatics but refrain from doing their bit to develop and promote the sport at home. It's only a pity to know that in our country, 90% of the funds meant for sports are spent on a single sport in the form of Cricket.Still the Indian cricket team hasn't managed to win the Cricket world cup since 1983. Funny isn't it! Instead, if even 30% of the funds are driven towards football, I'm sure we'll make a mark in the most popular sport in the world, contrary to being ranked 5th out of 12 playing nations in cricket inspite of stupendous amount funds. Football will only get it's due when people start taking active interest in the game. Not like women who watch the game for their so called "cuties" in the form of Ronaldo or Kaka. For starters, atleast those who watch the EPL and the football world cup should come forward and show solidarity for the game in India. And believe me, I'm watched our national side play, they are not bad at all.
So... why blindly idolise cricket stars who make big bucks and not idolise Indian footballers, who play the sport and work equally hard inspite of all odds to represent the nation. Why spend the whole day racking your brain for the result when you can get it in 90 minutes of vibrant action...Think about it...???
-Dhairya Thakker
