Enter the Dragon

Even though India and China have almost similar footballing history and geography the development of the game in two nations is contrasting

JUST drifting towards the east from the heart of Kolkata and one can discover a China. Located at Topsia near the Eastern Bypass, the place has an exotic name too - China Town. It’s a home away from home for hundreds of Chinese families whose ancestors docked their ships at Kidderpore a century ago. Though their DNA print might show the Calcutta Chromosome but umbilical chord still goes across the border.

And so last week when the Chinese dragon spread its tentacles to embrace soccer’s promised land — the 2002 World Cup — it was quite understandable that China Town broke into delirious joy.

Excitement was palpable in the air and, the celebration didn’t lack the vigour of those which were witnessed on the Shenyang streets or at the Tianmen Square moment after China’s historic win over Oman. The only noticeable difference was the sad footnote at the end of this flowery prose. If only the land they had made their home could emulate the land of their origin on the football field.

India making it to the World Cup! That’s a long shot. But the past records show that India were on par with China but somewhere a long way they lost the way. India boasts of two Asian Games golds and a bronze while China have never stepped on the top of the podium.

Chi Chu Chang is a typically jaded soccer fan. "China’s World Cup debut will give Chinese soccer a huge boost," says Chang with a surge of pride. But the disappointment in his tone is hard to hide when he says, "Wish India were also there along with China.” Chang like few of those who keep track of Indian football is aware of the 'ground realities' and quickly regrouped himself and added with a sarcastic punch: “May be, some time in the next century India will be there."

But, then given the 'ground realities' India shouldn't even dream about a World Cup berth for the simple reason that we don't really have it in us to to be there.

China have banked on motivation and national pride. Like the erstwhile East Germans, the Communist China has taught its people the importance of sports.
Indeed, patriotism is a potent force in modern China today. So much so that the sight of their side crumbling against Iraq in 1993 and Iran four years later in World Cup qualifiers was almost too much to bear.

The pain was sharpened by the sight of Chinese gymnasts, swimmers, divers, table tennis players and athletes sweeping gold at the successive Olympics.
Whether it was diver Fu Minxia or Ma Junren’s bunch of talented athletes, China has always been the forerunner, rubbing shoulders with other heavyweights USA, Russia and Japan. In soccer too, China have followed a similar regime — discipline, hardwork and sincerity. And it has paid them rich dividends.

China achieved it because they are sincere in their approach. We don’t have these qualities in us and that's why we don't make it.

Chinese authorities have injected professionalism into their football only a decade ago and India are still unable to get out of its semi-professionalism.
Initially, given the enormity of its size, China like Brazil had problems in organising a centralised National League. However, the Chinese sorted out the hindrance quickly and took a giant leap towards the football's greatest showpiece.

It was only after the introduction of club soccer in 1994 that the Chinese football slowly and steadily began to reassert itself. These reforms has made all the difference.

An extensive youth development programme is producing stars of the future. And some them have been exported to the European markets which include Chinese skipper Fa Zhinyi (represents Crystal Palace in English League), Ma Mingyu (Perugia in Serie A) and Yang Chen of German Second Division Eintracht Frankfurt. Others on the wait list include defender Sun Jihai and mid-fielder Li Tie. While Sun already spent a year with English First Division side Crystal Palace, Li has attracted interest from Ajax Amsterdam.

All this and much more. Chinese football is now draped with success. But if the Chinese federation has laid the stepping stone, it required the finishing touches of Bora Milutinovic. The globetrotting Serbian, affectionately called 'Milu' in China, is indeed has become a master at shepherding lesser soccer nations to World Cup success. Before China, the 57-year-old Serb has guided Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States and Nigeria to the finals.

Milutinovic made all the difference. China selected a man who was sincere and dedicated to his job. And most importantly the Chinese federation has extended their full support. Right from the team selection to the team's strategy, Bora always enjoyed a free hand. It is something unheard of India with Indian coaches.

Interference from the non-technical officials has been the bane of in Indian football. Dutta gives an instance how this has affected the game. In 1988 during the Nehru Cup at Siliguri the then AIFF president Khalifa Ziauddin interfered in the team’s strategy.

So for India, which even finds it difficult to prove his dominance at the South Asian level, the journey to the World Cup seems long and arduous. But the more depressing part is the AIFF doesn't even know from where to start this journey.

Maybe, the Chinese success story can give them some clue.

(In Calcutta, 2001)