Game The World Plays

Indian football: Real boring stuff

2011-07-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

There seems to be nothing extraordinary happening with Indian football these days that I should jot down my thoughts on them. Nothing seems to be quite exciting, really. It’s that same slow baby steps which the Federation has been taking ever since the new secretary took over in November last year. No big strides as such as far as ideas are concerned. The national team recently lost 0-3 against UAE at Al Ain last week. Another disappointment in a World Cup qualifier. I’ve grown up reading about India’s debacles in the first round. It’s a difficult path. But then is it worth taking a dip in the competitive Asian qualifiers which has 50-plus teams? I don’t think so. Many would support me as well. After all, spending huge on a project (World Cup qualifiers) which doesn’t seem to generate much revenue or interest is nothing but a huge waste of money. Is there someone in the AIFF to guide the ship? I guess, all seems to be doing a routine 10-5 job. Hardly anyone has come up with a management skill. Even the status of I-League clubs have been treated with half-hearted approach.

Now the national team is in the Capital. They will take on UAE in a home-match on Thursday. But everybody knows India doesn’t stand a chance against the Gulf nation who has somehow qualified for the second round. Despite the 3-0 loss, Armando Colaco still can press his claim to be someone who has prevented a rout. But his grouse against the referee for those two penalties which cost India the game last Saturday, however, won’t reduce our pain. The Goan coach is still praising his number one goalkeeper Subrata Pal, who was booked for his foul on the UAE player Ismail Al Hammadi in the 24th minute. Pal, many feel, was quite arrogant when he pushed Hammadi. A sharp reminder to his tempestuous goalkeeping during that ill-fated Federation Cup final against Dempo in 2004 when his outstretched fists hit the late Junior, who collapsed and died on the field.

In a nutshell, there isn’t too many interesting things happening in Indian football which surprisingly lacking a character. Besides, (Indian) football writers are now disenchanted due to the recent performances which it seems have pushed the game a few yards back.

Armando's Dempo promotion with national team!

2011-07-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Armando Colaco selected a 30-member squad on Tuesday for Indian football team’s upcoming friendlies against Maldives and Qatar. Yet, the roster failed to impress the aficionados who felt that the team genuinely lack a spark. Moreover, why he dropped Viva Kerala’s Anil Kumar who has scored 11 goals, the second highest by an Indian after Jeje Lalpekhula in the I-League last season. There was no reason or rhyme. But Armando couldn’t explain the omission of Anil and inclusion of out-of-form Sushil Singh. “He (Anil) hasn’t come into the groove which we wanted,” was what said Armando, who it seems is out there to promote Dempo club.

Nobody has a clue as to why he has packed the squad with seven Dempo players and decided to go with one player from I-League winners Salgaocar. Besides, in a surprise move, Armando has put Salgaocar's Anthony Barbosa along with Anil in the standbyes. Other Salgaocar players, Locus Lamare, Gilberto Oliviera and Khelemba Singh failed to make it because of a delay in their passport renewal.

Though he has given chances to most players who were ignored by Bob Houghton during his term as coach, yet it doesn't augur well for Indian football. Has the interim coach forgot that he is there because AIFF has picked him and not by employers Dempo? By keeping out Salgaocar players shows that he has taken the Goan rivalry into the Indian team.

Nobody expected such a move from a man who has been hailed as the best club coach in recenty years. Managing a club team and organising a national team are two different things, Armando must be aware of it. He cannot put half-fit Dempo players like Mahesh Gawli or Climax Lawrence (who is not in his best) in this team.

Football in the pind

2011-05-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

At Phagwara station, we virtually dragged ourselves out of the train. The rush was amazing. It was a Saturday and most Delhiites hop onto this particular train to head towards Golden Temple in Amritsar. But unlike our co-passengers, we got off at Phagwara. Travelling with a group of young footballers, we wanted to touch the pind (village) where football is next to religion.

We have so far heard about football cultures and traditions of Calcutta, Goa and Kerala. But Punjab seemed to be very different. As the bus weaved past the vast agricultural lands on our way from Phagwara station to Rurka (some 15 kms from Phagwara), we were thrilled. It was April end. Yet, the heat was tolerable.

A village in the Tehsil Phillaur in Jalandhar, Rurka is entirely different. It is a quiet, serene and a sleepy village. Other neighbouring villages include Bundala, Kahna Dhesian, Dhinpur, Bir Bansian and Pasla. In fact, Hans Raj Hans song 'Pind Diyan Galliyan' becomes so much true as the bus moved a little deeper into the rural village Rurka Kalan which lies on the Jandiala-Goraya road.

A youth football academy in a village? That sounds quite interesting. But before I write about the academy, let me introduce you to Gurmangal Dass Soni. Soft-spoken and affable, Gurmangal, however, isn't a former footballer or a coach who talks big about his past achievements. Neither he is a referee or anybody in the football establishment 'talking, talking but doing nothing'.
Interestingly, he is an electronic engineer who is crazy about football. In 1998, this young man now in his late-30s decided to create a football platform so that he can help and promote his own village kids. He left a cushy engineering job in the US and engaged himself to work round the clock for football, selflessly. Another interesting and honest fact about Gurmangal, he doesn't draw salary from this project which has 14 paid staffs for the 125 players and the annual expense has shot up to Rs 24 lakhs per year.

He formed the Youth Football Club in 1997 which soon got involved in a big way in football promotion at Rurka Kalan. With the help of local villagers and NRIs, he got a great amount of monetary support to run the project. With around 15-20 footballers, Gurmangal started his team, took part in tournaments and even started winning them. The cash awards won from the tournaments were deposited in a bank and soon he was able to collect Rs 80,000 from the prize money. His own family also extended support. They chipped in with Rs 1 lakh per year. The villagers also joined them in his effort to promote the game at the grassroot level.

The YFC has produced six international players from the current Anwar Ali (India and Dempo) to Surjit Singh Sandhu, Narinder Kumar Kaushal, Narinder Kumar Gill, Kulwant Singh and Baljinder Singh. Today the club boasts of a Youth and Sports Complex, which houses a hostel for 24 players, a computer laboratory, a multi-purpose gymnasium and well-manicured ground. Besides, YFC and the academy has also tied up with two schools where the students are given free education.

At present, the academy has 125 players in the U-12, U-14, U-17, U-19 and senior club categories. All the trainees are provided free boarding and lodging, kit and education. The Sports Department is bearing the expenses of the 15 students. The club has roped in four coaches -– Jatinder Sharma, Amarjit Dari, a former JCT player, and Kulwant Bunty, a former international player, and Mandeep Kumar of the Sports Department.

Bengal's change in taste

2011-05-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

It's May and surprisingly there is drizzle in Calcutta. Quite a pleasant weather at this time of the year which otherwise is greeted by scorching heat. But from the city which I know, Calcutta has changed in many ways. Let's take for example the football crazy populace of the city.

Today we get to hear and see people flocking to their tv sets to watch IPL. While taking a stroll down the congested alleys in Sealdah in central Calcutta, I saw people mostly wage labourers getting hooked to KKR match. This is in contrast to what we know about Calcutta's love for football. I don't know the real reason behind this sudden change of likeness. Still there would be, I'm sure, some Calcuttans who still adore the world's most favourite game.

Flipping through the pages of Ananda Bazar Patrika, Bengal's and India's largest circulated regional daily, it gave an appreciation that cricket and it's 20-20 form has really caught up even with the downtrodden Bengalis.
East Bengal's campaign in AFC Cup has been given a secondary space and that too on the second page. I guess the mindset of the media has also changed. The top media houses have realised that what sells is important. Passion and love are secondary.

Materialistic pleasures is what Leftist Bengal's lower middle class and the upper echleons are looking for. Be it sports and in their social life, Bengalis now have a different taste.

Game The World Plays: What after Bob Houghton?

2011-03-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

Game The World Plays: What after Bob Houghton?

What after Bob Houghton?

2011-03-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

We aren't sure if Bob Houghton would be asked to leave. If that happens, it is going to be a disaster for Indian football solely because of the youth development project which he had initiated, will look like a rudderless ship.

It's been five years now that we have seen much of the Englishman. He has many minuses but few pluses. It's still not fathomable why he took half-injured players to Doha and thereby forced the AIFF to spend huge lot of foreign currencies on the various tours. What was the outcome of all these? There has been hue and cry within the Federation that it is the best time to show him the door.

But then, isn't it too late a decision? Why at all the Federation kept quiet all these while? Today, role of a coach has become result-oriented. I understand that Bob has been able to put in something to streamline the system.

But what remained a mystery was the way he handled the national team for the Asian Cup campaign. He banked on players who weren't fit. And he kept his unwavering faith, a decision which drew flak from all corners. Even while the Indian team was playing in Asian Cup, his unnecessary criticism on India and its football set up infront of the international media in Doha was something he could have avoided. After all, it was not the place to vent his frustration.

Much before this, his infamous spat with former manager Pradeep Chowdhury and his racial slur on an Indian referee shouldn't become the valid reasons for the sack. The Federation would better ask him about the results. That makes footballing sense. After all, his presence has definitely since June 2006 has helped our game gain a marketing edge though it failed to capitalise on a confident start with two Nehru Cup wins.

Whoever replaces him, will definitely have his task cut out. After all, it is Indian football and there are too many cooks around who have already spoiled some good work done by the English coach.

Bob: Definitely not a builder

2010-11-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

India's dismal run in the friendlies in UAE has brought us close to reality check. Is this the best team to represent India at the Asian Cup at Doha in January? Sample this. Apart from the SAFF Cup in 2008, India have played eight international matches away from home under Bob Houghton and lost all eight. India have conceded 32 goals and scored only five. The two major tournaments which India won — Nehru Cup and AFC Challenge Cup — have been on home soil. No wonder then, why the Englishman hinted at resigning if India fares poorly in Asian Cup. Yes, he is clever and calculative.

But I'm not baffled at Indian team's horrendous results. Houghton got whatever he wanted. Foreign tours, friendly matches, excellent facilities. But in the end, result is same like what other Indian coaches had given. The reason is Houghton has always been too stubborn in selecting the best team. I don't know why he can't see beyond a couple of players who are carrying niggling injuries and almost over the hill. But he says they are the best.

A pool of 30 'best' players signed a contract with AIFF and they have been training only for the Asian Cup since then. Doubts have been raised about the correct investment on some of the players. Are they really best enough to take on teams like Australia and Korea at Doha? Probably, we will get to know this after the Asian Cup in January.

I strongly feel that some of the players from the current U-23 side which played in Asian Games should have been drafted into the senior team. More so because of their age and exuberance. Some of the senior players (I don't wish to name them and offend their die-hard fans) are unfit. You may have seen some of them in Delhi in the last couple of years. I really don't know how they have still managed to hang around in the team and then get to tour fabulous destinations in Europe and the Middle-East.

Ideally some of the youngsters from Asian Games squad deserved a place in Asian Cup team. Look at Thailand. Bryan Robson brought some of his u-23 players to Delhi in September. The idea was to encourage them. Give them the right exposure. That's how you build a strong team. Look at Japan and Korea. You will appreciate their excellent youth development programme.

In fact, Japan, Korea and Iran's rise in world football happened because of their honest and a no-nonsense approach. They have a system in place unfortunately which we don't have. Indian football is a bit complicated one which can even flummox best coaches. Besides, you will find our foreign coaches, soon after they take over, will call for the exit of domestic tournaments, crib about lack of facilities and then talk rubbish about the country.

Houghton has been given a royal treatment by AIFF much more than his predecessors like Jiri Pesek, Rustom Akhramov and Joseph Gelei, who had also trained the Indian teams in the past. Shouldn't we ask him for an explanation now?

Bob, come and watch Durand Cup

2010-10-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

It's great to see Durand Cup is still alive and kicking. This one tournament has always fascinated me since 1996. It is all about exuberance and fun. It's late October and there is nip in the air. I grabbed a cup of hot tea and settled down firmly on the terrace of Ambedkar Stadium. I'm sure football lovers would agree: you get the best view from top.

From the senior citizens to the youth and some aspiring footballers huddled in a small space. They discussed about Durand Cup and how it sustained itself through the years right from 1888. I also wondered, what is special about Durand Cup? Even the limited budget in recent years hasn't stopped the Indian Army from organising the world's third oldest football event.

With almost all the domestic events have dried up, Durand Cup offer a ray of hope to some smaller teams who get little or no opportunity to play in Indian tournaments. In fact, Indian Army's unflinching support has bolstered the event to the extent that even after its 123rd edition, it stands tall and firm.

I remember, couple of years back, the sponsors and event management company had chipped in with a lot of promise. Pity, they couldn't understand the significance of Durand Cup. They pitched in with hi-tech gadgets, big screens, played some English numbers on the loudspeakers. For them, it was like any other non-sport event. Dhol- tashe and tamasha. First, they ran out of money and later they ran out of ideas and innovations. And finally, they faded into oblivion. Last time, I was told, they are into squash tournaments!!

Well, organising a football event is a tough job in India. And hosting Durand Cup is even more difficult in an age, when there would be more youths talking about EPL. Besides, the major reshuffling of national events recommended by Bob Houghton had even forced the Durand organisers to compromise with its schedule. I don't understand why Houghton came up with such weird ideas. He should know, Durand Cup, like other domestic events, can be a great grooming ground for young and aspiring players. And closure of it would mean that football development would come to a standstill just like hockey.

Protecting national team players is one thing. But on the pretext of shutting down tournament like Durand force us to think that the Englishman is venting his frustration against the system.

Think cleverly and act smartly. I think, Houghton should be told.

Rare moments for Delhi football

2010-08-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

The current edition of Santosh Trophy which is underway in Calcutta has brought out the best from Delhi's modest football team. After their brave-heart 1-1 draw against mighty Bengal last week, Delhi, who leading with a 80th minute goal, was held to a
1-1 draw by Tamil Nadu in their quarterfinal league match.

I always felt that Delhi has the potential to do well. There are lot of talents in and around the city. Only if the local association put in some effort and do some constructive work. Interestingly, Delhi finished runners-up behind Bengal in the inaugural Santosh Trophy in Calcutta in 1941. But in the second edition, Delhi avenged their defeat. That remained Delhi's only triumph in Santosh Trophy.

When I came to Delhi in 1996, I had heard a lot about Delhi football. So, once I was in the city, it became a daily routine for me. I used to hire a rickshaw and roam around in old Delhi. I think it is the best way to feel the pulse of its historical existence. Rickshaw is the best transport available to pierce through its crowded serpentine alleys. Surrounded by crumbling walls and three surviving gates, purani Dilli is still very vibrant. It seemed so as the driver pedalled his rickshaw through the thick crowd.

It is a city within a city. It may not be fascinating for the others but I had enjoyed every bit of my stay in the crowded Idgah Road and Sadar Bazar. So after settling down, I had experienced every bit of those rickshaw rides through its small galis. They are lined with 17th-century havelis whose once ornate facades are now defaced with rusted signs and sprouting satellite dishes. There is this uncanny habit in me. Whenever I am in a new city, I usually drag myself to look for football links.

I was told that the Walled City had encourgaged and patronized the game to a great extent. I wondered if I would be able to reconnect football to Delhi since there was no Mohun Bagan-like tents. Or even a literature about its footballing history. Then someone had informed me that “if you want to search for the football passion, visit the Walled City”.
Where is Mohun Bagan-like tents? Where is Maidan? I used to wonder if there were any football clubs. I had frowned then. But slowly I realized that despite the absence of club tents, football lived in every nook and corner of old Delhi.

So for a football journalist, the visit was worth taking.

In the halcyon days, driven by passion for the game, old Delhi traders and businessmen did not mind diverting their business profits into football, helping the emergence of well-known clubs like City Club, Shastri FC, Youngmen, Mughals, and Indian Nationals. While the clubs flourished, the game attracted the middle-class. Such was the clubs’ appeal that even common folks came forward with contributions as clubs like Indian Nationals or City Club became a part of their lives.

Nationals, for instance, came into existence during an informal chat between some of the die-hard Delhi footballers of the pre-Independence era. There was an urge and interest to create a medium to express their intense love for football. So when YS Yadav, Sheikh Mohammad Shafiq, Mohammad Yasin and Hameed Khan sat under a tree at the historic Sunehri Masjid in old Delhi pre-1947, it had turned out to be a sunehra moment for Delhi football. Views were exchanged and Indian Nationals Football Club came into existence. The decision to form the team was later unanimously passed during a meeting held at the bylanes of historic Turkman Gate at House No. 2383, Kucha Mir Hashim, Chitli Qabar.

Unfortunately, some of these clubs are up against harsh reality. How to carry on their legacy without funds? I found a stark similarity between the old Delhi’s decay and the dwindling fortune of Walled City’s football culture which was once so dominant. Passion alone cannot take them forward. The clubs have ceased to enjoy patronage from the locals as well. And businessmen no longer support them as they used to. In fact, from 1996 till date, there has been a sharp decline in the interest among the locals.

Uruguay: Old wine in new bottle

2010-07-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

I was quite young then. But I remember watching Uruguayan football team in 1982 at Calcutta. They had come for the inaugural Nehru Cup. I can even recollect the glimpses of Enzo Francescoli, the defiant, irrepresible attacking midfielder. For me and till now, he remained the only passport to Uruguayan football. Much later at the 1986 World Cup, Francescoli had popped up again. I think Denmark had humilated Uruguay 6-1. He had scored the only goal. Like most of us who admire Latin American football, were left in a state of shock. What had happened to Uruguay? We wondered. I guess, that was one of their most disppointing defeats in World Cup. Soon we started losing track of Uruguay.

Uruguay didn't create much ripples in 1990 World Cup as well. Slowly and slowly their famed supremacy took a tumbling. Considered one of the pioneers of Latin American football and the two times World Cup winner, Uruguay never again captured the imagination until this time at South Africa. Their re-appearance at the world stage was as surprising as their disappearance. This time the blue shirts came with an attitude and aggression which even the Dutch and German teams surely would have appreciated by now.

While the more experienced Brazil and Argentina still continue to baffle many football writers with their none-too-impressive outings, Uruguay became the only team from South America to make it to the last four. It has been a remarkable transformation. They seemed unlucky to go down against Holland in the semis. And even more unfortunate to miss out the third place spot. In the play-off, Germany had a harrowing time against the fluent, artistic and speedy game of Uruguay. While Messi appeared clueless and struggled to find the target throughout for Argentina, Diego Forlan simply showed why he is the world's top strikers. His five goal feat speak a lot about his striking ability. At 31, Forlan, is unlikely to play at a third World Cup finals, but even then he left an indelible class as an excellent poacher. The Atletico Madrid star almost forced extra-time against the Germans as his freekick rattled the crossbar in the final action of normal time.

Still we go ga ga over Messi, Kaka Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. Forlan gave us what every football lover wanted. Breathtaking goals, amazing ball-control, great turn and clinical finish. Why wouldn't we talk about this blond-haired front man. His goal-scoring spree in South Africa provided yet more proof that his finishing prowess remains undiminished.

For Uruguay, however, this is the beginning of a new cycle, Uruguay is where it should be. They demonstrated that all the hard work got its just desserts. Much credit goes to their coach Oscar Tabarez. While the entire world was busy with what Dunga or Maradona did, Tabarez was happy with his low profile persona. It's their best finish in 40 years and he can take full credit after having revived Uruguay's fortune in world football.

Tabarez is one of the more thoughtful coaches. He doesn't have the stubborness of Dunga or any shades of the passionate Diego (Maradona). Yet, he is a man of firm convictions and clear ideas when it comes to footballing brain. Since 2006 he got down to serious business in re-arranging his country's football system. He completely overhauled the national set-up. Helped Uruguay finish fourth place at the 2007 Copa America and masterminded their qualification for World Cup this year. He has also revitalised the country’s youth football. In 2009, along with Brazil, Uruguay were the only side to qualify for both the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups.
No wonder Tabarez remained the most successful Latin American coach in this year's World Cup.

It's time to take note of Bundesliga

2010-07-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

All this while I have been discussing with my friends about this German side. I never, ever said about an Argentine win. Both these teams were my pre-tournament favourites. I admire Diego Maradona. But then being passionate is one thing and translating that passion into performance on the ground is a different ball game. For all of those who had been cheering on for Argentina had never spared a thought for this German side who almost imperceptibly developed soccer's holy-grail blend of youth and experience.

We all talked about Messi. Tevez. Higuan. But did we ever analyse this German team which is full of extraordinary talent and exuberance? The Germans play a team game. Its more authoritative unlike that of Argentina being too much Messi-centric. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Mueller, Sami Khedira, Podolosky, Klose were bundles of fizzing energy. The impeccable passing sense, excellent ball control manned by an intelligent and workaholic midfield tore apart Diego's Argentina.
Surprisingly, the media never talked or wrote either about German players or their master Joachim Loew who now deserves huge credit for giving the youngsters their head. But the 50-year-old also kept faith with some old hands when all around him were questioning his wisdom.

In fact, the entire world media ran after Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney before and during the World Cup. But we never came across a profile on Schweinsteiger. He is the link between young and old, defence and attack. Still only 25 he half-belongs in the youthful vigour camp but with 79 caps already he is also one of the wise old heads of the squad. He has matured into Germany's focal point. Can you forget that wicked freekick which found Mueller for the opening goal?
He dominated the centre circle and outshone everyone. Spreading passes long and short, prompting his team mates into space then overlapping and joining the attack when he saw a gap, it was a midfield masterclass that Michael Ballack could surely only marvel at.

Last but never the least, why can't we talk, write and follow these German players and the Bundesliga. Why only we have to watch a market-driven English League dominated by glamour and hype? The class, the essence of being a champion is determined by the dint of performance on a bigger stage like World Cup, isn't it?

Not Just A Hand of God

2010-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Cut to 1986. For the first time ever, a football World Cup was beamed live in India. For the tiring eyes who had to painstakingly watch Indian football, the Mexico World Cup brought some kind of a succour. There was an added bonus as well: Diego Mardona. The hero, the leader and a great team-man.

Maradona has a legion of admirers and a world full of doubters. His 'hand' still confuses many a football pundit over that controversial goal against England in Mexico. After watching him on the sidelines during Argentina's first two games as in World Cup, I wonder why he remains a great character. The pint-sized genius hasn't lost his qualities. He is a great motivator. A great guy who transponds energy to his teammates. Whenever Argentina scores, he jumps like a kid. He hugs everyone of his coaching staff and players. In him, we find a simple, down to earth persona which isn't fake.

What we saw of Argentina on Thursday was a reflection of Maradona's Argentina of yore. Rich in attacking variety. A master class in midfield creativity from Lionel Messi. Set piece surprises reflected an exciting Argentine cocktail of attacking flair at the World Cup. The sheer skills of their multifaceted attack reminded us of Argentina when Maradona played a game as a god.

About the most controversial goal in football history, Maradona once said: “I did it with hand of reason. It is like pick-pocketing the English and stealing a win.” This is Maradona. So even if England hates him, rest of the world adore his qualities. No wonder, millions and millions often vote him as the best in the trade. Because he is a leader. A terrific guy who is so passionate about football. There is tinge of a mercenary in him. So even Pele accuses him, he isn't bothered. Because he has a soul. A wonderful heart for football.

No wonder then, this generation gladly accepts him as the best footballer of the century. Because he is a rebel. A Che Guevera fan. A role model for any youngster. On the field and off it. He is no pretender. And that’s make him most endearing. If he dodged past his rivals defenders, he did that boldly and with a touch of class. More than his sublime skill, Maradona was known for his rebellious streak in him. When George Bush showed up in Argentina in 2005, the usual protests against him were led by Maradona. The little genius asked Argentines to march against the “human garbage” Bush.

Whether it was his 'Hand of God' goal or playing hide-and-seek with death (following his overdose of drugs), the Argentine still remains the best and most adorable footballer of our generation.

Korean Model and Indian Football

2010-06-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Watching Korea and Japan football teams at the World Cup, as Asians, we might as well think, where is India? Korea remain the most successful and consistent Asian teams at the World Cup while Japan's J-League started in 1993. In between these 17 years, they have played in four World Cups.

Indian football administrators need not organise a travel to Portugal or Spain to draw inspiration for our success-starved Indian team who are getting ready for the Asian Cup in January. We don't know the link between Asian Cup and European destinations. The best thing AIFF would have done was to take a cue from Korea and Japan. Let me tell you, both these teams including North Korea have a selfless approach to do something for football under their home-grown coaches.

As for us, we are still to start our preparation. The tentative plan to travel to Portugal (where the month-long camp would be held) is from June-end. India is going to play South Korea in Asian Cup at Doha. Is the six-month preparation good enough to challenge Korea, Australia and Bahrain in Asian Cup? This World Cup would have given our own football pundits a great opportunity to follow the Korean game. Are we really taking this task seriously? Have we ever thought of understanding Japan and Korea's football culture? Their strategy, planning and a dedicated approach. For the 'pundits' at AIFF, understanding the Korean model would require an iota of intelligence. It's not elementary arithmetic. It's like solving some tough algebraic equations or some geometrical theorems. And to understand mathematics, one has to study it and devote a lot of time.

As for Korea, the officials turned back to a home-grown coach in December 2007. They must have thought that the time was ripe to adapt the lessons learned from the Dutch while restoring a native influence to give the best of both worlds. As it turned out, Huh was the right man to do the job by building a balanced squad which is regarded as being by far the strongest ever Korean team in World Cup history.

Let me tell you who heads the technical committee of Korean football. Lee Hoe-Taik. He was the coach in 1990 where Korea slumped to defeats against Belgium, Spain and Uruguay. And after some failures to win a match in the next two World Cups by their home grown coaches, it was inevitable that the Koreans would turn to the experience and know how of foreign coaches. Understandably, after the learning process was over, the Koreans brought in their own experienced coaches at the helm.

One of the reasons why Huh could ring the changes so successfully in such a short period of time is that the he has considerable experience of World Cups. He participated at Mexico 1986 as a player where he faced Diego Maradona. He joined the national squad as a fitness trainer in 1990. Huh was then an assistant coach in 1994 where the Taeguk Warriors finally began to make an impact on the world stage with draws against Spain and Bolivia and a loss to Germany. Huh's loyal, determined character makes him different from the rest. He doesn't rests on his laurels.

Last week, Huh created a small piece of history by becoming the first Korean coach to win a World Cup match. Korea's fifth victory in World Cup did not only mark their third consecutive winning start in the event but also showed what they are capable of on their own.
Are we serious about our own football team? Sometimes, I get this gut feeling that we are running a fake show. Everything seems to be fake. Football promotions. Promise. Deliverance. Determination. How come these smaller nations are so good in football. There is definitely no short cut recipe for success. Hard work, determination and honesty have paid off for Korea, Japan and even for North Korea who have qualified after 1966. Why can't India have a good and a determined side?

I guess, AIFF and Bob Houghton would know better.

Football in the pind

2010-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

At Phagwara station, we virtually dragged ourselves out of the train. The rush was amazing. It was a Saturday and most Delhiites hop onto this particular train to head towards Golden Temple in Amritsar. But unlike our co-passengers, we got off at Phagwara. Travelling with a group of young footballers, we wanted to discover football in a pind (village) in Punjab rather than going to Amritsar for a quick weekend tour.

We have so far heard about football cultures and traditions of Calcutta, Goa and Kerala. But Punjab seemed to be very different. As the bus weaved past the vast agricultural lands on our way from Phagwara station to Rurka (some 15 kms from Phagwara), we were thrilled. It was April end. Yet, the heat was tolerable.

A village in the Tehsil Phillaur in Jalandhar, Rurka is entirely different. It is a quiet, serene and a sleepy village. Other neighbouring villages include Bundala, Kahna Dhesian, Dhinpur, Bir Bansian and Pasla. In fact, Hans Raj Hans song 'Pind Diyan Galliyan' becomes so much true as the bus moved a little deeper into the rural village Rurka Kalan which lies on the Jandiala-Goraya road.

A youth football academy in a village? That sounds quite interesting. But before I write about the academy, let me introduce you to Gurmangal Dass Soni. Soft-spoken and affable, Gurmangal, however, isn't a former footballer or a coach who talks big about his past achievements. Neither he is a referee or anybody in the football establishment 'talking, talking but doing nothing'.
Interestingly, he is an electronic engineer who is crazy about football. In 1998, this young man now in his late-30s decided to create a football platform so that he can help and promote his own village kids. He left a cushy engineering job in the US and engaged himself to work round the clock for football, selflessly.

He formed the Youth Football Club in 1997 which soon got involved in a big way in football promotion at Rurka Kalan. With the help of local villagers and NRIs, he got a great amount of monetary support to run the project. With around 15-20 footballers, Gurmangal started his team, took part in tournaments and even started winning them. The cash awards won from the tournaments were deposited in a bank and soon he was able to collect Rs 80,000 from the prize money. His own family also extended support. They chipped in with Rs 1 lakh per year. The villagers also joined them in his effort to promote the game at the grassroot level.

The YFC has produced six international players from the current Anwar Ali (India and Dempo) to Surjit Singh Sandhu, Narinder Kumar Kaushal, Narinder Kumar Gill, Kulwant Singh and Baljinder Singh. Today the club boasts of a Youth and Sports Complex, which houses a hostel for 24 players, a computer laboratory, a multi-purpose gymnasium and well-manicured ground. Besides, YFC and the academy has also tied up with two schools where the students are given free education.

At present, the academy has 125 players in the U-12, U-14, U-17, U-19 and senior club categories. All the trainees are provided free boarding and lodging, kit and education. The Sports Department is bearing the expenses of the 15 students. The club has roped in four coaches -– Jatinder Sharma, Amarjit Dari, a former JCT player, and Kulwant Bunty, a former international player, and Mandeep Kumar of the Sports Department.

Another interesting and honest fact about Gurmangal, he doesn't draw salary from this project which has 14 paid staffs for the 125 players and the annual expense has shot up to Rs 24 lakhs per year.

Some AIFF and top club officials must take a note of it!

Kaho na pyar hai

2010-05-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

Mr Praful Patel is a good host. I must admit. Invited by him to attend a dinner at his sprawling kothi in central Delhi, we were happy. Rarely we have seen AIFF presidents hosting journalists and AIFF officials together at their residence. Mr Patel seemed to be an exception.

With Bob Houghton firing his salvo against AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco, the get together last week became very important. AIFF members from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" had assembled right at the power centre on that night. It wasn't surprising to see everybody wore a wry and a forced smile. Most of them were tight-lipped about Bob Houghton's resignation besides the ridiculous manner in which the Federation work is handled by Colaco, who however looked somewhat lost in the crowd. In the darkness of the night, it was becoming difficult to read his face. We also couldn't notice whether his cheek glistened with tears. After all, he is the person who has brought Indian football to such a standstill. I think he was feeling a bit embarassed to move around in the crowd.

But one thing I still couldn't understand. Why the influential members (vice-presidents & ex-co members) remained quiet even after his spat with the English coach. But nobody knows who had authorised the Goan to look for a new coach. If Colaco has been branded as incompetent, what would you say about the members who enjoy all-paid trip to Delhi, gulp a couple of pegs and then hob-nob with the ministers.

Actually, none of these officials want to blast Colaco in the open. But whenever there has been a Colaco-bashing in the media, they would smile. That's it. At the AIFF meetings, none of them would be vocal. So, what are their roles? Participate in gossips and add fuel to the fire? Or look for outstation tours with the Indian teams. Ask them about the development programmes, I'm sure, they will stammer. Enquire about their contribution to their respective states, they will drag you into a different conversation.

We have been told and re-told about Bob's status that he is staying. But Colaco didn't speak much because he had already spoiled everything. So finally, with all his experience, Mr Patel had to douse the flame (Bob controversy), for now. And Colaco heaved a sigh of relief.

2010-05-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

I was visiting my home town almost after a year. Calcutta welcomed me with its sudorific and sticky weather. So much so that my spotless white shirt was almost wet even before I could reach the Jadavpur University campus. Yet, the energy sapping heat couldn't really dampen my spirit as football and Calcutta were on my mind. Thanks to the Valerian Soccer Foundation and Jadavpur University, who had invited me to speak at their International Summit on Football.

I was to speak on a topic which has been my forte "Indian Football and It's Uncertain Future". To be honest, I didn't want to sound too negative and cynical in my speech. But the content of Indian football is much of negativities that I couldn't help. Though, till that point of time, Mahindra United still existed as a football team and Indian coach Bob Houghton didn't vent his frustration with his pay package and contract.

But a week after my speech at the seminar, I think, I was right.

As I write back on the upheaval, I still believe, that some pragmatic thoughts, a bold effort can do a world of good to Indian game. There has to a definite plan and programme and the presence of smart marketing executives who have a football knowledge. After having watched Indian football during these transition period first a young follower in Calcutta (from 1981 to 1993) and then as a soccer writer from 1994 till date and having traveled throughout the country, I can foresee a better future. Provided, we have a system under young administrators where our game can grow and breathe properly.

Let’s take Calcutta for example. Clubs there are like the Marxist government of West Bengal. They never changed with time but followed an age-old pattern. Ironically, like the Communist-led Bengal, the clubs are also struggling to stay afloat. Even with the advent of EPLs, World Cups and top international events which was beamed live and the presence of a strong media, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting officials didn’t embrace professionalism. They stuck to an old system. They completely ignored the importance of a dietician, physical fitness trainers. Besides organising their local league matches during the intense heat of the summer slowly sounded the death knell for Calcutta teams. Like the Marxist regime in the state, professionalism is one word which the club officials haven’t understood well.

Now let’s come to the national perspective. Money is a big factor in modern sport. Why should corporates invest money? What are the ROIs? From 2007 to 2010. Indian football has had some the most memorable victories in recent times. Nehru Cup win could have helped the Indian federation shut out those who cast a doubt on its future. Has Alberto Colaco been able to create a brand out of these victories? The sequence of Subrata Paul’s penalty saves in the final hogged the limelight in the 2009 final. But sadly, AIFF never made an effort to make this news a little bit bigger.
Three years back, a top auction house committed themselves to promote football. They decided to sponsor Durand Cup, world’s third oldest football event. But the honeymoon between the corporate and the event management company got over quickly. Those who managed the Durand Cup were non-entities in football. I’m sure the entire lot inside AIFF lack in creativity.

In sports, like in other walks of life, you cannot have emotional fools. You need to have a realistic and a practical approach. I guess, that’s what is lacking in Calcutta clubs. Calcutta clubs lives on a tradition as I had said like the Marxist rulers of Bengal. The biggest reason for their decline is that they couldn’t adjust to the changes. In Mohun Bagan for instance, the physio is not a qualified one. But he has been doing his job more than 30 years now. It was only during East Bengal’s campaign for the Asean Cup in 2003 that the then coach Subhash Bhowmick recommended for gym, swimming pool and a qualified fitness trainer for the players. But then that was it.

Actually, AIFF doesn’t have a definite plan and strategy to market the game. They are yet to deliver on this aspect. There are no promotional activities. They don’t know how to create a hype. After India won the Nehru Cup last year, the best thing the AIFF could have done was to promote the entire team and create a brand. The picture of the Nehru Cup wielding Indian team faded faster. Even when the U-23 team won the SAFF Cup in Dhaka in December, the Federation failed to identify the brownie points. All such victories by your national teams can give you a better ROI if they are marketed well. We need marketing experts instead of a power-hungry secretary who just want to make Football House his own.

I'm a positive person and I still see a hope. But in the first place, the AIFF should engage genuine professionals having adequate knowledge about the game and those who have a vision. Right now, the Federation needs young, energetic, unselfish and honest secretary. There has to be some accountability for his action. Proper representation from the states to the executive committee is also important. Mr Praful Patel has brought in resources. Now to spend those funds you need some qualified finance managers.

During a visit to a Delhi school, I was shocked to learn that none of its tiny players knew our first Indian XI (barring Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri). It was quite disappointing. All they know is about Rooney, Kaka, Ronaldo, Messi. I don’t blame them. I blame the AIFF. I blame the coaches at the grassroot level who train them. How can somone become a football coach without knowing Indian football history? It’s a crime. Chhetri’s joining the MLS can infact become a great selling point for AIFF. Only if they had advertised themselves in a proper way. Those who are involved with football should explain and motivate the kids citing Chhetri’s example. But who wants to work hard?

Mr Alberto Colaco, RTI is on its way

2010-04-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Early January this year, the Delhi Hight Court had asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Commonwealth Games Organising Commitee (OC) to shed opacity and set up an office to disseminate information and depute a public information officer (PIO). Closely on its heels, the Sports Ministry also brought all the sports federation under the ambit of Right To Information (RTI).

All of us know that none of these sports bodies are clean. Not even our own All India Football Federation (AIFF). Let's take the recent recruitment done by its secretary Alberto Colaco, who now seems the be-all and end-all of Indian football. He recruited Dempo coach Armando Colaco's daughter in the AIFF as co-ordinator, national team. We are not sure what's her qualifications. Besides, whether the post had been advertised on AIFF website. Alberto kept all of us in the dark.
But I guess, we all have the right to know the exact experiences, the job-profile of the candidates who are being recruited for AIFF posts. Aren't we talking about clarity in the system? But who's going to stop the powerful-hungry AIFF secretary? I think, a RTI affidavit can question his recruitment policies.

Under the ambit of the transparency Act, I’m sure, is expected to open the floodgates of pointed RTI queries directed against these sports bodies, seeking information about their management, grants and administration. The judgment will have an impact in injecting an element of accountability not just in IOA and OC, but in all the sports federations.

In the recent financial committee meeting of AIFF, Colaco had proposed two names -- BMR Mehta and Anil Kamat -- as the new joint secretaries of AIFF. Well, let's come to the basics. What are the qualifications of these two gentlemen? While Mehta was handling media as director (he had joined federation 5 years back without having football background), Anil has been Colaco's trusted colonel from Goa. He is director tournaments. But most importantly, he is Colaco's 'mole' in the enemy camp. So he deserves to get the reward for helping Colaco become the strongest and powerful among all the AIFF secretaries till date.

But now, I'm sure, he will have to reply to RTI queries which will be coming from all quarters. Be prepared Mr Colaco, this time, you may not heave a sigh of relief.

Lemon juice, Chhetri and Amirican futbal

2010-03-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Friday must have been astonishingly a great day for Sunil Chhetri. For us in India, I am sure, we will be keeping a tab on Kansas City Wizards in the coming days. Just like we did for Baichung Bhutia almost a decade back when he had turned out for Bury FC in England.

A day after this significant move by Chhetri to MLS, here comes a stunner from Delhi where Chhetri was born, brought up and made his debut with City Club. I took a stroll down the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and landed up at the Ambedkar Stadium where two local teams (New Delhi Heroes and Simla Youngs) were engaged in a I-League second division match. I thought the local association (DSA) would be all geared-up to cash in on the good news.

Let me recount the step by step account of what transpired on the Saturday afternoon at the Ambedkar Stadium, a day after Chhetri was officially presented by KCW in MLS.

On the dais, I found some DSA and some club officials caught up with some mundane discussions. One of them requested me to pull a chair and take a seat. Firmly ensconced, I began to observe them and their football talk. In the meanwhile, some more officials huddled near the VIP stand. Their eyes were fixed on the match. Down the dusty and uncleaned stairs, I noticed a top DSA official chatting with a laptop-wielded journalist.

After the discussion got over, he lifted his ageing body and he took a slow walk towards the VIP box. Then he shook hands with me and asked if I would require some refreshments. I said: "A lemon juice would quench my thirst." Then he sat in the middle of his trusted comrades and started to scribble on a piece of paper. I took a chance and asked him what he was writing. "Nothing," he smiled. The usual pen and paper work so ideally suited for these DSA officials. I wondered, if DSA was planning to do something for Chhetri’s achievement.

Enjoying the action on the field, none of these officials however had Chhetri on their mind. I don't know whether it was their pretension. Or if they hadn't browsed through the morning newspaper. Maybe, they are more keen on publishing their own DSA-centric events. So I guess they must have ignored the Delhi boy's tie-up with Kansas City Wizards in the MLS.

Do they know David Beckham also play in MLS? Hmmm. Wait. Wait. Next time, I plan to throw a question at them: What does MLS stands for? I'm sure they would say "Amirican football." But I promise, I won't laugh. No matter how much you make an effort to teach them, these officials want to stay in the unknowing world.

Let me recount another hilarious incident. The I-League second division got inaugurated by a pot-bellied Delhi cop who tried his best to show his footballing skill by whacking the ball. You can expect such drab and dull inauguration with DSA. Still you cannot blame them because apparently it all happened in the presence of a newly appointed I-League CEO and a couple of other All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials. They too sipped the lemony juice alongwith me. Even munched some biscuits with good quality tea. Yet they lacked the qualitative idea on the promotion of Delhi soccer. They could have cash in on Chhetri’s joining a MLS team with congratulatory message spread all over the ground with his pictures (I hope they have them).

Alas, there were only lemon juice, tea and biscuits. Even Chhetri would laugh if he were told about this story.

Indian Football vs Indian Hockey

2010-03-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Twice I had to dump the idea of going to the refurbished National Stadium to watch a World Cup. I was a tad disappointed. Not because I couldn't watch a single World Cup game at home but Indian team's early ouster was highly discouraging. I wanted to watch Jose Brasa-trained Indian team. I wanted to follow another national team coached by a foreigner. Post World Cup, the media has done lot of incisive and indepth reasoning behind Indian team's failure in the World Cup. But apart from the technical aspect, none of the writers wrote about the ground realities.

Look at Australia. Just a couple of years back we shown the door to Aussie Ric Charlesworth. Back at the helm as Australia's chief coach, this man has produced some outstanding result. Here we made a mistake. We should have allowed the expert (Ric) to do his duty as Indian hockey's chief advisor. He would have done a decent job, I am sure. Here the Indian hockey administrators made a huge mistake.

Lot of people ask me the difference between Indian hockey and Indian football. Well, I tell them that Indian football has a structure in place unlike hockey. Soccer is played in schools, colleges and universities. In the gullies, in parks. There are so many national age-group football events organised by AIFF or even by state associations and academies. Many would still argue that in hockey you need astro-turfs while it is easy to kick a football on any pitch. But then given the presence of quite a number of astro-turfs, how many national events have been organised by our hockey federation. I remember, I saw a tattered astro-turf the last time I had visited SAI Centre in Calcutta.

Soccer has flourished in India because there is a definite plan. But above all, every affiliated unit is answerable to FIFA who has a strict guideline pertaining to soccer promotion. It doesn't happen with FIH. In India, we have bungled everything. From resources to grassroot programmes and even our national championships. Besides, the faction war within the hockey administration and a myopic vision were enough to strangle India's national sport.

Now contrast this with football. Though Indian football team hasn't played in a single World Cup (I'm not going into the comparison with hockey and even with cricket World Cups because the qualification process in football is quite tough) even then I would say the game has got a well set-up plan. I am not sure if Brasa would be continued after Indian team's eighth position finish in World Cup. But if the Spaniard is asked to go, then Indian hockey would again go down the drain. Look at Indian football. We have reposed faith on Bob Houghton ever since he has joined in 2006. That's quite a good idea if you consider the long-term plan. The U-16 and U-19 teams are groomed by yet another revered coach Colin Toal. Houghton has been able to create a supply line which I guess augurs well for the future senior teams.

Crocodile Tears

2010-02-15T04:10:00.000-08:00

The previous post was flooded with lot of queries and reactions from the football fraternity. But few understood the message. Some thought I was criticising the AIFF. Well, it was definitely not a tirade against AIFF deal or a corporate tie-up. I only highlighted the corruption inside Football House. It wasn't any figment of an imagination. So those who still couldn't read the actual message, I request them to browse through it once again.

Shouldn't we have some clarity on Indian football officials? There are plenty of unanswered questions which needs to be answered. We need to know who are the 'brains' behind Indian football's development? Why the 'outgoing' secretary Alberto Colaco is still around despite resigning last June? Some say it is his 'crocodile tears' which has helped him win those AIFF members who wanted his removal after former president Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi went into coma.

Ahhh. Crocodile Tears! In Hindi, we say magarmach ke aansoo. When I grew up , my mom had nicely explained me the right usage of the phrase. So here we are in the dubious world of Indian football federation where the dribble for power overtakes Indian football's development plans.

The Goan, who was hated by couple of vice-presidents and members till a year back, now successfully has wooed them. Sending 'rebel members' with the Indian teams as managers on outstation tours is seen as a perfect move to keep them quiet. You oblige them and then staple their mouth. So it was nothing surprising to see him continue as secretary without any protests. I was told by one state asssociation secretary that he always wanted to tour with the Indian team to a foreign country. Poor guy, he was never in the good books of the AIFF secretary because he isn't that 'influential' unlike others.

So Mr Colaco, we haven't heard of the appointment of your new successor. What happened to the interviews which were supposed to take place last September? The entire football fraternity want an answer. If it is a democratic process, let not the candidates sulk and deny them a chance to appear for the interview which was advertised by your office in July last year. I was told that the earlier process has been scrapped and the burly Goan had been asked to 'train' a youngster for the coveted post. Interesting, isn't it?

Last month, his Goan pal Joaquim Alemao was promoted as vice-president after spending a year as an ordinary executive committee member in AIFF. Wait. He uncorked one more surprise. The 'outgoing' secretary allegedly 'planted' Daman & Diu secretary Franco Miranda to the executive committee. For your information, Daman & Diu doesn't participate in AIFF tournaments and they were sanctioned for not following the AIFF norms. So why did Mr Colaco gave him an entry? Simple. Some say he purposely did it because he wanted to stop his Goan rival Savio Messias from becoming an AIFF member.

While some officials have turned out shadow 'agents', here the secretary himself has been using his office to snub his rivals. We have a request, please don't tarnish football and AIFF with your dirty politics. You guys can settle your old score outside the Football House, probably, over a mug of beer on Goa's golden beaches.

Who is this 'agent' inside AIFF?

2010-02-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

Last year, I got an anonymous mail from someone who wanted to expose a big racket involving Indian football and that too right inside its headquarter at Football House. Almost a year later, the rumour have resurfaced again following the Panasonic deal with AIFF. There are strong rumours that one of the top AIFF officials has operated as a 'shadow' agent on behalf of Panasonic and in the process made good money. Last year, when I broke the news about this 'shadow' agent to AIFF's all-powerful and power-centric secretary Alberto Colaco, he looked the other way.

How can a person who is engaged in bringing money to football federation, can actually engage in personal business ventures? Why they use their AIFF profile to build network for their future business expansion? Colaco, once again, looked the other way and smartly evaded the question. Actually, he didn't want to answer because he himself has been partly responsible due to his faulty recruitment policies. No matter how much you make him understand, Colaco gives a damn.

In 2006, Colaco had appointed Satyajit Sadanandan. Football was not his qualification. He is an IIM Grad. Still he made it to the Football House because Colaco was hopeful that he would be an asset for Indian football as he will create marketing strategy for Indian football which was looking for financial support. After two years, Satyajit was promoting football but for his own company.

Colaco didn't specify why he had recruited Satyajit, who didn't have any knowledge about Indian soccer. Be its history or about the tournaments (surprisingly, he was made Director, Projects). Within two years, Satyajit ditched the federation and got engaged with his own business venture -- sports marketing company based somewhere in Bangalore. Sounds interesting, isn't it?

It was alleged that he even got hold of an influential FIFA official who was then looking after the south-Asian programme which included India as well. After the FIFA official quit his post, he found an ally in Satyajit, who was his India partner in a company which specialised in football consultancy. Some says that Satyajit and this AIFF official ('shadow' agent) is well connected and they work on a profil-sharing basis.

But who is this AIFF official who took a huge cut as the 'shadow' agent in the Rs 5 crore Panasonic deal? Why he gets this sort of leverage in AIFF? Is it morally correct to use AIFF contacts to reap personal benefits?

RTI and Indian football

2010-01-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

S Ravindra Bhat is not a sportsperson. Neither he is a sports administrator. But he has done something praiseworthy which not even the government couldn’t do in all these years. Well, Mr Bhat is a judge and is credited with a historical ruling which has considerably expanded the scope of the Right to Information (RTI) Act on sports associations.

Last week, the Delhi Hight Court has asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Commonwealth Games Organising Commitee (OC) to shed opacity and set up an office to disseminate information and depute a public information officer (PIO).
They were brought under the ambit of the transparency Act which I’m sure is expected to open the floodgates of pointed RTI queries directed against these sports bodies, seeking information about their management, grants and administration. The judgment will have an impact in injecting an element of accountability not just in IOA and OC, but in all the sports federations.

Meanwhile, our Sports Minister MS Gill is trying to make Indian sports clean. I’m not sure how far will he be able to succeed. But atleast he has forced federations to function in a transparent, dignified manner. Though the federations are autonomous bodies and most of them function in archaic, feudal manner yet the minister wants to them to fall in line with the “democratic principles of the country”.

That’s great news. But what about our football association?. Since this blog exclusively focuses on Indian football, I would be ask Mr Gill if he can bring about a change in All India Football Federation (AIFF).

In June last year, AIFF secretary general Alberto Colaco resigned from the post. The AIFF executive committee decided to hold interviews to select the candidate who would replace Colaco. Even the vacancy was advertised on AIFF’s web portal. Lot of candidates applied for the post. But only the “right candidates” were shortlisted for the interview. They even received their call letters. But surprisingly the interview never took place. Why? Well, that’s what we have been trying to figure it out.

It was learnt that Colaco, apparently, in his last ditch effort, has been trying to manipulate the big bosses at AFC and FIFA and use their influence. In one of the tours to Zurich alongwith the Sports Minister, the outgoing secretary had asked an important FIFA member to influence Gill. Now we know why AIFF hasn’t yet finalized the interview date and Colaco was happily given an extension by the executive committee which otherwise is happy to bow to the Goan.

AIFF’s secretary post is a paid one. But it assumes a lot of significance. Anybody would love to hold it for long. But Mr Gill’s call to democratize system has taken a beating. Once the vacancy is out and the candidates have been selected, why the AIFF has dillydallied on the interview date.

Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was dismissed by IOA to bring in a fair, clean, new management. As Mr Gill said: “We can’t have a system where “there is no appeal, no daleel, no vakil”. Why the sports ministry, who has dolled a huge chunk of public funds to the federation, should not pull them up?

Negative publicity is good for Indian football!

2010-01-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the reports and TV visuals of the alleged molestation of an air-hostess by Okolie Odafe and two other footballers, there is a buzz around Indian football. From Tuesday (Jan 5) till Wed (Jan 6), TV channels and newspapers have indulged themselves in scooping gossipy stories around Churchill Brothers' three footballers who were arrested at Mumbai airport on their way to Kolkata for the I-League match.

Nobody knows the truth. Odafe says he is innocent and was seen requesting the TV anchor to get his camera from Goa which the Nigerian claims has visuals of the entire incident. But first and foremost, was there any need to highlight the entire incident? Are these footballers did what former Haryana DIG SP Rathore did years ago? Are we not exaggerating the entire episode?

The truth is not yet out. So why put these footballers on the gallows. Particularly, Arindam Bhattacharya who seems to be so promising. I'm sure it would have an adverse effect on his career. Last month in Dhaka, Arindam single-handedly won the SAFF Cup for India in the final when he saved three penalties in the tie-breaker against Maldives. Did anybody notice his agility under the Indian goal? Did the media bother to interview him? Did that TV anchor, who I'm sure may not care about Indian football and footballers, profile this young goalkeeper? He didn't. Neither the newspapers wrote any parody on the Indian footballers.

After all, gossips keep us happy. I'm sure everybody derive a strange pleasure from gossips. And media blows it up. It is some kind of a masala for them. Why don't we keep these incidents a little low?

Just two days back in Guwahati, a young and upstart football team fought bravely before going down in the Fed Cup final against East Bengal. But nobody took any interest in Lajong or in East Bengal. Even during the Nehru Cup final last year, journos were more interested in Salman Khan, who was present at Ambedkar Stadium as Indian football's brand ambassador, and didn't bother about an Indian victory.

Let's accept it. We are pretenders. We don't care about any achievement. We stay awake for gossipy, raunchy news items. If that is the case, then why the media stayed quiet during all these years even after a young girl had committed suicide in Panchkula in 1993? Why are they now gunning for Rathore who should have been put behind bars long time back?

As far as these footballers are concerned, it is too early to comment on their unruly behaviour. No doubt, it was an unfortunate incident which may have tarnished even the image of the club (the sponsors have already decided to pull out). But it was too early to blow things out of proportion.

Let's wait, till the verdict is out.

Kaka and Kabab

2009-12-23T05:22:00.000-08:00

It was a cold, cold night in Delhi. The mercury touched an all time low in December. We, a handful of journalist friends, thought it would be wise to head towards Jama Masjid. The idea was to grab some quick hot kebabs knowing that Old Delhi is the only place on the earth which would stay awake even after midnight. That’s the best part of purani Dilli. If you are hungry and looking for some food in the night then the Walled City is a heaven for you.

Roasted chicken, fried chicken. Rumali, khameeri roti. Shami kabab, boti kabab. Your mouth starts watering understanding that working late hours at office and then frowning over the routine canteen stuff can take you to only one destination for a change of your taste buds. And then a ride through the deserted Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in a spotless maroon Ambadassador car ignoring the Hondas, Ascents, Corollas.

It was all so otherworldly, like being in a hill resort. The city noise had faded to a distant hum. The air had grown thinner. And Jama Masjid was just an arm-length’s away.

As we parked the car adjacent to Gate No. 1 of the historic monument, Kaleem, a young guy in his early 20s, rushed towards us. “Sahab kya chahiye?” A bearded old man in his 70s (probably the owner) was wearing a spotless kurta, pyjama and shouting instructions in his chaste Dilli Chey (six) accent. He seemed to be a devout Muslim. He was wearing a skull cap wrapped with a muffler and sat near a angithi (charcoal fire). It was severe cold and the chilly wind was piercing through the thick woollen cover. “Kabab aur rumali roti le ao,” One of our friends got a little excited at the prospect grabbing hot kababs and roti. Kaleem was happy. So was his owner. After all, you don’t often get such wonderful customers late in this cold December night. Good business, yeh.

As my mind traversed through the space (old Delhi), Kaka, the ace Brazilian footballer popped up! That too in front of the stony Jama Masjid looking lonely amid the concrete of Delhi’s unplanned modern architecture.

Well, well, well. Wait. Let me tell you how the Brazilian accompanied us to the roadside kabab stall. My friend, who is a great football follower and owner of that swanky ambassador and, suddenly paused. He didn’t pick up that last piece of chicken from the plate. He glanced upon on this piece of newspaper (which served as a tissue paper for the kababwala) and which Kaleem had given us to clean our hands. “Hey see, Kaka is here. And see who has written this write-up,” his face flashed like a thousand-watt neon lamps. He probably didn’t expect to see his byline on the bylane of Jama Masjid. He broke into a huge laughter. I too joined him. The world is too small a place. I wondered.

We were happy. For both kabab and Kaka. Though Kaleem didn’t understand the significance of our conversation. For him we were just kabab lovers who ate and did ‘wah wah’. But for both of us (we had covered the Vijayans, Pappachans, Krishanus & Bhutias with passion over years), the subject was interesting. Kaka and kabab.

Babumoshai

2009-12-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Can I use the term pseudo for Bengalis? Well, my friends in Calcutta and elsewhere, please spare me from using such a 'harsh' word. But then I am helpless. When I watch the Bengal's Leftist leaders, I am forced to use the word. When I watch their movies (I have stopped watching though after film producers had turned copycats with lots of dishum-dishum action-packed remakes of Bollywood-Hollywood movies flooded Tollygunge), I am convinced they are real fake. Babumoshais (gentleman) have become pretenders.

Then in football. Probably, I was told, it was their sera khela (favourite sport). But it isn’t. Just like losing their sheer joy of procuring a or a shrimp from a macher bajar (fish market), football too has ceased to be a passionate game for the Bongs. Ask any old-timer about cricket and he will tell you that it is a game played by imperialists. But it is not that Bangalis don't love cricket. Any given day, they throng the hallowed Eden Gardens to watch any ODIs and the disco dance of cricket -- T20. I was also told that the passion generated by cricket was nothing compared to that generated by the daddy of all games – football which is mostly played at the Maidan.

Gone are the days when offices would empty before schedule during a Mohun Bagan-East Bengal match. Boseda, Ghoseda, masi maternal aunt), pisis(paternal aunt) and kakus (uncle) would get together and huddle over transistors with a somewhat tense face to organise support for either Bagan or East Bengal. Life used to come to a standstill.

Today in Calcutta we do get to see such football fans. But those has been restricted to only when there is a Bagan-EB match. Other teams exist but they are doing a mere formality. As for today’s generation of hiphop Bengalis (aloo dum, jhaal muri has been taken over by McDonald, burger, pizza and cola drinks has punched out kullar chais), cricket has knocked football off its pedestal. The jazzy marketing strategies of cricket or because of a certain Ganguly from Behala. Even those who still love football follow Manchester United more than Bagan and obsess over which club Cristiano Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Kaka will be playing for as opposed to Bhutia or a Chhetri. As a result of this lack of interest, Maidan football is slowly dying out.

The pride is gone and with it a Bengali tradition.

Bob ‘Rocket Singh’ Houghton

2009-12-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

I haven’t seen this Shimit Amin directed movie yet. But listening to the RJs and after reading the reviews I got this impression that Amin has conceptualised the story around sales and salesman. It is a film about the importance of basic goodness.

Ditto football. Whether selling computers or football. You need to have your basic elements correct.

Well, well, well.

Bob Houghton and Rocket Singh. You might be wondering if it is a wonky idea to compare a Sardarji with an Englishman. Hey, Sardarjis can be equally good salesman like any other Englishman (no racial discrimination, please). Isn’t it? The comparision in this context has been done to show just how good Houghton has been at selling Indian football. A job which could have been done by AIFF’s marketing & sales division. But then Houghton never wanted to rely on them for too long.

Convinced that football in India can be run clean, Houghton (using his British lineage) asked for what he had 'wanted'. After taking charge as head coach in 2006, the Englishman had often expressed his displeasure and disappointment with the fact that India was lacking in a good youth development programme which meant there was no credible second string to support the national side. He stressed that junior teams should be sent out for exposure so tat they young players were ready to graduate to the senior team.

On Sunday at Dhaka, India's u-23 team won the SAFF Cup which till last year was represented by the senior team. India's victory is the outcome of a process initiated by Houghton and executed by under-23 coach Sukhwinder Singh. So far, Indian football lacked a definite planning. Vague ideas, too-many-cooks-spoil-the-broth type fundas didn't help either. Houghton started realizing that there is something wrong. He became a little bold enough to devise a plan thereby allowing the junior teams to play in regional events. Houghton must have visualised this long time back. But like an astute sales executive, he sold the idea to the AIFF bosses.

Thus, the victory by the U-23 team would have made him happy as it not only vindicated him but will also allow him to experiment further before the Asian Games, SAF Games and AFC Challenge Cup. It is too early to say if the junior development programme based on the Houghton model will end up yielding rich dividends. But the SAFF triumph has given Indian football a ray of hope.

Maine Pyar Kiya

2009-12-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

In the thick and crowded Ambedkar Stadium, Salman Khan’s smiley face popped up on the giant screen almost throughout the evening where India was playing their second successive Nehru Cup final against Syria. Sallu bhai seemed happy to be a football ground and witness an Indian team. Even the TV producer was more content at shouting instructions to his crew to focus the camera on the superstar.

But amid the cacophony, my mobile phone rang. “Is Sallu still at the stadium?” One of my friends (who however is a Page 3 journo) was deeply interested in Sallu but not about an Indian win. I got a bit angry. But I remained calm. In between, Renedy (Singh) had just scored a gem of a goal from a free-kick to give India the lead. The 30,000 odd fans broke into delirious joy. The noise was defeaning.

And once the phone rang: “Is Sallu still at the stadium?” This time I got pissed off with this caller. Later the the calls became too frequent. I was loosing my patience more because Syria had equalised. The match was stretching towards the tie-breaker. It was 9.30pm. I was becoming a little uneasy because of edition deadline. But this journo still didn't keep quite. There was another call. Then I had decided to play a prank. I sms'd. And it read: "Sallu had left the stadium and went to Jama Masjid to break his Ramzan fast. There he would meet a local pehelwan who would take him to a hakim who would prescribe him some desi medicine."

The next morning everybody read about India's Nehru Cup win. There was a small mention on Salman (surprisingly, Sallu never made it to the purani Dilli and Jama Masjid).

Sorry friend. An Indian victory was important for all of us. Next time, please try and be there to witness the Indian football team.

Football and Purani Dilli

2009-12-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

It became a daily routine for me. I used to hire a rickshaw and roam around in old Delhi. I think it is the best way to feel the pulse of its historical existence. Rickshaw is the best transport available to pierce through its crowded serpentine alleys. Surrounded by crumbling walls and three surviving gates, purani Dilli is still very vibrant. It seemed so as the driver pedalled his rickshaw through the thick crowd.

It is a city within a city. It may not be fascinating for the others but I had enjoyed every bit of my stay in the crowded Idgah Road and Sadar Bazar. So after settling down, I had experienced every bit of those rickshaw rides through its small galis. They are lined with 17th-century havelis whose once ornate facades are now defaced with rusted signs and sprouting satellite dishes. There is this uncanny habit in me. Whenever I am in a new city, I usually drag myself to look for football links.

I was told that the Walled City had encourgaged and patronized the game to a great extent. I wondered if I would be able to reconnect football to Delhi since there was no Mohun Bagan-like tents. Or even a literature about its footballing history. Then someone had informed me that “if you want to search for the football passion, visit the Walled City”.
Where is Mohun Bagan-like tents? Where is Maidan? I used to wonder if there were any football clubs. I had frowned then. But slowly I realized that despite the absence of club tents, football lived in every nook and corner of old Delhi.

So for a football journalist, the visit was worth taking.

In the halcyon days, driven by passion for the game, old Delhi traders and businessmen did not mind diverting their business profits into football, helping the emergence of well-known clubs like City Club, Shastri FC, Youngmen, Mughals, and Indian Nationals. While the clubs flourished, the game attracted the middle-class. Such was the clubs’ appeal that even common folks came forward with contributions as clubs like Indian Nationals or City Club became a part of their lives.

Nationals, for instance, came into existence during an informal chat between some of the die-hard Delhi footballers of the pre-Independence era. There was an urge and interest to create a medium to express their intense love for football. So when YS Yadav, Sheikh Mohammad Shafiq, Mohammad Yasin and Hameed Khan sat under a tree at the historic Sunehri Masjid in old Delhi pre-1947, it had turned out to be a sunehra moment for Delhi football. Views were exchanged and Indian Nationals Football Club came into existence. The decision to form the team was later unanimously passed during a meeting held at the bylanes of historic Turkman Gate at House No. 2383, Kucha Mir Hashim, Chitli Qabar.

Sadly, today these clubs are up against harsh reality. How to carry on their legacy without funds? I found a stark similarity between the old Delhi’s decay and the dwindling fortune of Walled City’s football culture which was once so dominant. Passion alone cannot take them forward. The clubs have ceased to enjoy patronage from the locals as well. And businessmen no longer support them as they used to. In fact, from 1996 till date, there has been a sharp decline in the interest among the locals.

Football introduced me to nahari

2009-12-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

The first time I had heard of nahari was in 1996 when I had come to Delhi for my new job. Before I left my home in Calcutta, I was told to stay close to my family friends at Idgah Road which is at the confluence of new and old Delhi. It was peak and strong winter. Yet I was enjoying every bit of it because Calcutta hardly has its winter seasons.

Let me be very honest. I am happy to be a football journalist. You know why? Because it brought me close to the historical purani Dilli and its people. There are no pretensions. There are no egos. They are simple and down to earth who simply loved football and nahari.

A visit to the Ambedkar Stadium for Durand Cups and DCM Trophy's (in those days both these events used to be held in thick foggy winters) introduced me to some great football lovers who were from the Walled City. One of them, I was told if I had to beat the Capital's cold, I should have a plate of hot, mirchi nahari with crispy tandoori roti.

So after every match got over, we used to head straight for Kallu’s shop. Shop No. 80, Chattan Lal Mian, Jama Masjid. This is exactly the address where you would find a thick presence of nahari lovers. It was 5 pm. And the modest, small shop of Kallu was teeming with people. Men in skullcaps and pajamas are supping on nahari. I alongwith some club officials placed our order. I was told nahari gets over quickly in the space of 30 minutes. So, it's better to rush.

Kallu in his thin physique sits on the main kursi (chair) from where he instructs his men to take orders. There is a huge deg and his staff were busy scooping the thickest portion (the best part) of nahari . It was glistening in a pool of oil. Kallu, in his typical purani Delhi dialect, shouts out instructions to his men. “Oye, kya kar reeya hai. Sahab logon ka jagah de de.” (Give space to these gentlemen). Minutes later we hop into the small space which also houses the tandoor (oven). Sitting near it meant that our foreheads glistened with sweat. Already felt the warmth even before the nahari arrived. The roti is fresh off the tandoor and the extra plate of lime wedges, chopped chillies, and slivered ginger completed the meal.

The boneless mutton nahari is supple and succulent. The garlicky gravy, liberally spiced with javitri and dhaniya, is hearty. I was told the delicacy originated in the dastarkhwans of Old Delhi before it percolated down to other classes after the decline of the Mughal Empire. In my portion, the chunks of meat have already parted from the bones. As I reach the end, I used the last piece of roti to polish the plates!

I am happy to be in Delhi!

With all the interest generated by EPL, why Indian football couldn’t spread beyond?

2009-11-26T04:37:00.000-08:00

In pre-independence India, while hockey players have invariably been Anglo-Indians, Muslims, Sikhs and tribals, Indian football was enthusiastically embraced only by the elite sections of society. The immortal IFA Shield winning Mohun Bagan team of 1911 had Hiralal Mukherjee, Bhuti Sukul, Sudhir Chatterjee, Manmohan Mukherjee, Rajen Sengupta, Nilmadhav Bhattacharya, Kanu Roy, Habul Sarkar, Abhilash Ghosh, Bijoydas Bhaduri, Shibdas Bhaduri who belonged to the bhadralok (gentleman) community in the pre-independence India.

The failure of hockey is a sign of the inability of the nation to accommodate its minorities. But it remains a mystery as to why football has also failed at the national level. As in the case of hockey, the game flourished in the immediate aftermath of independence, with tournaments like IFA Shield, Rovers Cup and Durand Cup attracted large crowds and featured clubs from all over the country. Many of these teams -- Andhra Pradesh Police, Punjab Police, BSF to the recent Kerala Police -- were great teams that fielded players of the highest calibre.

However, the fact that most of these teams were government-sponsored and not locally supported clubs suggests that the game was not organic to the areas these clubs were based in. When state patronage began to wane, these teams disintegrated rapidly. Another reason to this theory could be the localization of football in just two states -- Bengal and Goa.

With all the interest generated by EPL and Champions League, why football couldn’t spread beyond this limited geography, remains a big mystery. The very manner by which football became a popular sport in these states proved to be an impediment for further growth. Interestingly, in the case of Bengal, football became a tool which was used to construct a modern Bengali identity in the wake of the large influx of immigrants from East Pakistan now (Bangladesh) after Partition in 1947.

Bengalis devoted their time and energy more in a East Bengal and Mohun Bagan rivalry than just dedicating towards a greater programme to find out talents and popularise the game beyond Bengal. All this meant that football was totally internal to the cultural system and couldn’t capture a significant portion of the market in the new economy. Globalization has caused its appeal to diminish even in Calcutta.

In Goa too, football was used to construct ethnic identity. Once again, the game remained restricted to a small region. Why football has failed to spread wholeheartedly in India? How is it that a sport that elicits so much passion in one Indian state fails to do so in another? To be honest, there is little literature on Indian football and also how different ethnic groups impact on each other. In fact, the mystery surrounding the collapse of football could be better elucidated if we possessed a theoretical framework for analysing such phenomena.

Bob, we also had Rahim

2009-11-22T04:31:00.000-08:00

I had read about Syed Abdul Rahim when I was 10. From that precocious age till now, his name continue to stirr a lot of interest among the aficionados. With his small frame, Rahim was and is by far the most successful Indian coach.

We talk about Bob Houghton's angrezi style. Rahim was simply desi. Yet he was hugely successful and churned out more glories for Indian football than any other coaches. During my conversations with his son SS Hakim and his famous students Peter Thangaraj (who passed away last year), Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, Balaram, Yusuf Khan, Syed Nayeemuddin and others, one thing was clear to me. Unlike Bob, he was modest and down to earth and an Indian who wanted to give his best shot.

Not many would know, Rahim used to write couplets framed around football techniques. He was a qualified physical trainer and a referee. Hence, Indian team didn't require a physio during his era. His teachings were simple and to the point. No wonder he had produced a genre of footballers who became living legends.

A creditable performance by the Indian team at the London Olympics in 1948 and at the first Asian Games raised hopes among football fans that this country was on the path to fame and glory in this sport. But their hopes were dashed at the Helsinki Olympics after a 10-1 drubbing at the hands of Yugoslavia. That was when Rahim decided to beat the European teams at their own game.

He carefully studied the methods of the Europeans and modified these to suit Indian conditions and Indian players. Besides, Rahim knew exactly where the weak points lay in the national side and managed to mitigate these and build a formidable team. He put his boys to the test on a tour of USSR in 1955 and then again during a home series in 1956 before the team took part in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and came fourth. Till now that has been India's best show in the Olympics. Neville D'Souza was the top scorer in the tournament.

Rahim had an excellent understanding of the requirements of the game and the material he had in his hands by way of players and their skills. Moreover he also had the advantage of having some exceptionally skilled players in the side in those days. Many of them were from Hyderabad and he was therefore familiar with their abilities.

He was able to establish a good rapport with his players and they knew exactly what he wanted of them. The players in turn had tremendous respect for Rahim and did their job with great zeal. The Hyderabad Police team in those days was one of the best in the country and had an enviable record in domestic tournaments. With talent available in plenty in centres such as Hyderabad, Bengal, Bombay (sorry Raj Thackeray, I like to use the original) and Madras, Indian football seemed to be on firm ground and India seemed to be proceeding along the right lines. But then came the slide, which left many fans disheartened.

For the next 10 years, till Rahim died on June 11, 1963, India were one of the strongest teams in Asia. Single handedly, he raised a highly talented side that included legends like Chuni, PK, Tulsidas Balaram, Yousuf Khan, Jarnail Singh, Arun Ghosh, Thangaraj, Ram Bahadur, Kempiah, SK Azizuddin, Zaufiqar, Prasanta Sinha, Franco and many others.

The country has now slipped down the ladder and even at the Asian level, the national squad is considered a mediocre team. Indian football followers now feel saddened by this downward trend in the standard of football in the country. Perhaps what India now needs is another coach of the calibre of Rahim.

Playing football on Iraq's minefield

2009-10-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

I guess the Indian football federation or their bosses at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) should be aware of Iraq's current situation. You don't have to be an elderly statesman to know what is Iraq today. You sit in Geneva or at Kuala Lumpur or even in Delhi, everybody is aware of Iraq's current political turmoil.

But I would like to know if AIFF or any of the AFC officials have recently been to the strife-torn nation. It's not an exotic hot sea beach of Mauritius or an expedition to Masai Mara. Iraq is all about a terror-filled nation. Killings, bombings continue to hit hard. I guess, the football officials would definitely skip even a sponsored tour to Iraq. Then why send some innoncent young footballers to Iraq particularly after the countinuous upsurge in violence in recent years. Why did they shift India's Group C matches to Iraq? Is it all about football promotion or ensuring a 'genuine' vote for the next AFC elections.

Is it a sheer lack of vision or a deliberate attempt to promote football in a country where gun-totting US security forces are a common sight? And AFC talks about playing football on a minefield. Post Saddam Hussein, suicide bombers and explosions have become too common. Iraq has become the next Aghanistan and Pakistan. Maybe, even a bit more scary and volatile. Definitely you cannot put these teams including India on the gallows because you never know which way the suicide bombers will chase you. Be it Mosul, Baghdad or even Arbil (where the AFC U-19 Championship's Group C matches will be played) violence and killings have become a regular sight in this West Asian nation.

Besides last Sunday's twin suicide bombings in Baghdad, which left at least 155 people dead, are playing on the players' minds. Arbil, the venue of the AFC event, lies 80km east of Mosul in north Iraq and it is the capital of the Kurdistan Autonomous Region and Kurdistan Regional Government. The attacks were the deadliest in Iraq in two years. No wonder, the young Indian footballers are scared.

The very fact of playing their qualifying matches in Iraq has terrified the Indian team, who are caught in a web of fear and anxiety. India have been drawn with Afghanistan, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in AFC U-19 qualifiers.
The Indian players, who are currently on a tour to Dubai, are terrified. They just don't want to travel to Iraq. It is quite risky. But it's difficult to convince the AIFF and AFC mandarins who are just too excited to promote the game in Iraq.

Has football administrators become cheap?

2009-10-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

It didn't surprise anyone. Not even me. That Mr Praful Patel won't be announcing the dates for the already pending interviews of those who had already applied for secretary and CEO posts. It's been three months now. Once again, Mr Alberto Colaco has been given an extension till December. While some say it has been deliberately done because of political pressure, others still hope that the dates will come out soon. Whatever the reasons may be, it was not what we all had waited to beat Delhi's evening traffic and reach on time at the IRDA Complex.
It seems that the media and the entire football fraternity has been fooled by AIFF mandarins. Why the AIFF's Executive Committee keep pushing the interview dates, I still fail to understand. Well, I guess it is all about the murky politics that is being played inside the corner rooms of Football House.
Just before the AGM and Ex Co meeting on Oct 20, important officials were given cushy assignments like foreign tours. While others have been asked to wait. It has been designed to perfection. Nothing can beat this game. Give any member a foreign tour. Make them managers of the Indian team or Delegation Head (???), they would be happy to serve you.
The power, the importance of being AIFF secretary definitely holds a lot of importance. So it was not surprising to find that Mr Colaco (who I knew as an easy going, soft spoken and an affable person when I met him first in 1998 in Goa when he was GFA secretary) will pull all the strings just to retain the post. But then Mr Colaco why don't you leave the Football House gracefully rather than hang around with people around want you to bid goodbye. Someone should tell him and make him understand that world is too small a place and AIFF is only a small portion of it. Has anyone told him that he cannot hold on to two different posts?
Now that he has been elected as SAFF secretary, it would be better (ethically) if he vacates the AIFF secretary's seat rather than take favours from the spineless Executive Committee members most of whom are already senior citizens turned Machiavelli. So just like a pilgrimage tour, these senior citizens (Ex Co members) wait for their turn. It may be not be a Haj or a visit to the Kashi and Badrinath. But definitely more colourful tours where you get to see the unseen world.
Has football administrators become cheap?

Why a cricketer should apply for football secretaryship?

2009-07-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

A sudden spell of rain and a soggy afternoon didn't dampen my spirit from attending this one particular media conference at Mr Praful Patel’s office at Ministry of Civil Aviation. I virtually rushed upstairs to catch the ‘surprise package’ which the AIFF emergency committee members were waiting to uncork in the run up to pick the next general secretary.

But I fail to understand why there has to be so much drama to pick the best candidate for the interview? There are couple of candidates who don’t have any footballing background yet they made the cut. I have even heard of a former cricketer who wants to occupy the hot seat. Has our football set-up been reduced to kind of a joke?

After AIFF became a full-fledged organization in 1948, it had ‘veteran’ secretaries who were often blind to realities of modern football.

Ever since I had started following football in the late 70s, I have heard of Mr Ashok Ghosh (I remember watching him on the TV during the inauguration of Nehru Cup in 1982) and K Ziauddin. Just as a nation we rely on our veteran leaders, the Federation also picked on secretaries who were in their ‘retirement’ age.

After Ghosh, I came across three more secretaries (PP Lakshmanan, KN Mour) and the current incumbent Mr Alberto Colaco. Otherwise, Indian football wouldn’t have a fall after the 1970 Asian Games bronze. We lost our Asian supremacy. Today, we are struggling to keep pace with south Asian nations. We have to understand why we are falling back. Why we had to wait for 24 years to secure Asian Cup berth? Why our youth development programme is mired in over-age controversies?

So why were shuddering to recruit someone who is young, dynamic and have a vision for Indian football. Would it be detrimental to the football development if AIFF goes in for a young secretary? I don’t think so. And I’m sure most would agree with me that by having someone young, Indian football definitely won’t stumble. AIFF can only have some fresh ideas and a motivation to initiate productive work.

There are officials who want to politicize the entire process. Some even want to ‘put’ a proxy candidate. It is quite embarrassing for Indian football.

2009-07-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hectic schedules and tours almost prevented me from jotting down the thoughts around Indian football. So, here I am back again to share thoughts with you all.

The past one month had been a real hectic one. From a chanced visit to Goa followed by the sudden development centering around AIFF after Mr Alberto Colaco decided to put in his papers after his eight-year reign as secretary.

Lot of people have been asking me one simple question: Who would be the next secretary? From Mr Praful Patel to coaches and even Indian players. During the course of a meeting with AIFF president early this month, even Mr Patel wanted my opinion. "It's difficult to say. But whoever comes must have passion, clarity and an honest approach," I told him.

Yes, honesty. That's what we don't apply while chalking out programmes to resuscitate Indian football. Let's take the case of the youth develpment project currently underway at Goa. 16 boys were asked to leave after they were found over-aged. How did they manage to get into the camp? Who should take the responsibility? The state associations or the AIFF secretariat? Collin Toal is upset. So is his staff. After all, a good one-year had been wasted on some over-aged players.

Is this what we call honesty? The Federation's silence on the issue is even more damaging. Mr Colaco-led Secretariat just couldn't take a tough stand against the erring States who had sent all these 'suspected' players to the camp. If conducting MRI tests on the players is expensive, then the Federation could have instructed the states to ask the 'suspected' players to arrange MRI tests on their own.

But I guess there was no coordination between the Federation and the States during all these years. May be, he didn't want a direct confrontation with the power-wielding members.

Mr Colaco did you really justify your rank and role? Why did you get into the petty politics of AIFF when you are a paid secretary? Ahhh..he wanted to reply through emails. But he simply couldn't even scribble the answers. Lest he may land into more trouble.

We all know about his faulty recruitment policy which had raised eyebrows. There were a couple of positions in AIFF which were held by those whom he thought will be an asset for Indian football. A MBA Grad who would churn out success stories for him. Interestingly, he left the AIFF job (which I am sure he had struggled) to launch his own company and used AIFF as a mere platform all the while. Your take on this Mr Colaco?

Why am I so critical about this Goan? My close friends and those who are linked with football often ask me. Well my friends, he simply doesn't have an honest approach.
Otherwise, Indian football would have looked healthy.

The rankings (men & women teams) wouldn't have dipped. The proposed Bharti-AIFF academy would have taken some shape. There's more failure than success that he can claim to have in these eight years. If that was not enough, the burly Goan was seen trying to garner some sympathy from an influential AFC big-shot, who felt that Mr Colaco's absence would further weaken Indian football. Huh. The AFC official must be joking, otherwise Indian football would have taken a giant leap during these eight years.

So, say good-bye to AIFF, Mr Colaco. Indian football now desperately is in need for some young and dynamic personality.

Bob where is the reserve bench?

2009-05-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

One wonders if Bob Houghton is really serious about Indian football's development. Three years at the helm, the Englishman has once again reposed faith on his 'old bunch'. The recent probables announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) doesn't seem to convince us about his seriousness. The same old faces have been chosen. Bob had since been talking about finding some new talent. He had told us several times in the past that only after watching I-Leagues and Fed Cups he would be able to scan the latest talent in Indian football. But those seemed to be just hollow talks as the Englishman had reposed faith on the same group.
Is there anything which is stopping the Indian coach from giving opportunities to some of the players who did well in I-League? Is there any agenda against these players who simply struggle to get a call for the national camp?
We still don't know. But there has been rumour about a possible coterie inside the Indian team and Bob is under its influence. Mohammad Rafi the left-winger who probably scored more goals for his side than any of his strikers still finds himself out of favour. Rafi is tall and revels in an attacking blend of football. Then has Bob thought about S Venkatesh, who has impressed with his all-round performance for Pune FC in the I-League II.
Mohun Bagan left-back Nallappan Mohanraj and JCT central midfielder Jagpreet Singh have been picked, who have been to camps in the past. But where are the rest? Is Bob the only person who is in the selection panel?
Well, we don't know. We are still groping in the dark. We aren't sure if India would be able to break the jinx at 2011 Asian Cup. Let's face the fact that we are still unable to organise our team. Bob's high-profile Goal Project 2011 has already bit the dust with the Federation saying it is "impossible" to carry out a mega project. So come June, the Indian team will assemble in Delhi for another grinding session and, not so surprising, with the same old faces.

Churchill deserved to win I-League

2009-04-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

Watching intently the Mohun Bagan-Mahindra United match at Ambedkar Stadium on a sudorific Thursday, I was figuring out why Bagan shouldn't win this year's I-League. A huge posse of mediamen along with club officials took the flight out of Kolkata probably hoping to witness another Bagan's triumph and occupied the vantage positions in the crammed media box much before the scheduled time. But before everybody including the teams could settle down the babumoshais were calling up their sources in distant Margao in Goa where Churchill Brothers were up against a feeble Mohammedan Sporting.

A journalist sitting next to me, whispered, "Churchill had scored." A couple of minutes later, the Goans hammered yet another. A minute later, I could read their body language. It conveyed a crude message. Bagan's boat won't cruise further. Even if they had won against Mahindra, who however dumped their famed rivals 2-1, Churchill's outright win had settled the issue on points. Bagan will have to wait another season. For the record, a Goan team has prevailed over a Kolkata club for the third successive year.

Going into the final round I-League matches, there were lot of permutations and combinations. What if Mohammedan beat Churchill in Goa? What if Bagan win against Mahindra? But in the end, none of these calculations proved correct as winners were decided by goals rather than calculations and both Churchill and Mahindra went back home with full points.

In my previous article, I had mentioned about a certain arrogance in Churchill (I mean the team). Surprisingly, it stems from their boss, Alemao, a confident and ambitious general who in the past had vowed to make his family football team the India champions. Last year, they had almost finished winners. But Churchill finished on same number of points with Dempo, who pipped their Goan rival on a better goal difference.

On Thursday, the 6-2 demolition of Mohammedan convinced Churchill's superior dominance both in the match as well as in the entire event. If Alemao is their source of inspiration, Odafa Okolie charted out his team's success in the middle with his 26-goal bursts in 22 matches. A roughly 1.5 goal per match. An incredible achievement. The figure also explained how the tall and temperamental Odafa single-handedly annihilated the rival defence. Arrogance, brute power and a nose for goals combined to make Odafa the most famous striker after Chima Okorie and Ramirez Barretto, who now seems to have been completely overshadowed by the Nigerian.

Churchill lives on Alemao's passion

2009-03-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

From Margao, it took barely 30 minutes to reach Verca. "Where is Churchill's house" ask any commoner on the way and you would be directed straight to strongman Alemao Churchill's house. It is one of those typical Goanese house located deep inside a sleepy village which remained calm and composed even on a Sunday morning.
The moment I walked in, I saw a blackboard right infront of the entrance. It was the "appointment board" of Alemao (Churchill Brothers' leadman). Being a minister in the Goa Government, he seems to be a busy man, I thought. Besides his footballing passion, he is also supposed to take care of his constituency.
After waiting for almost an hour alongwith other visitors (most of them had come to narrate their problems), the big, burly frame of Alemao finally trooped out of his rest room. Wearing his trademark spotless full-sleeve shirt and trouser, he said: "Sorry, I am late. Come, please come inside." He directed me to his modest one-room office at his residence where he listens to each and every problem of his 'people'-- from a cancer patient who has been denied an appointment in a Mumbai hospital to a youth looking for an employment.

Yet, during that two-hour chat I had noticed how well Alemao had balanced his role --footbal administrator-cum-minister. So it was not surprising that you listened to "Churchill Brothers" more than anything else from him. It was on his lips right through as he believes his club isn't an ordinary one. He wanted to dominate Indian football. This season, now that his team is firmly placed in I-League, Alemao should be all prepared to host a gala get-together at Verca.
Being at the top of leaderboard with 42 points, his club can only think of completing a formality, untill and unless they commit a harakiri. With Sporting Clube de Goa and Mohun Bagan sniffing down their shoulder, Churchill should play their last two matches with a composed mind. At this final hurdle, a slip in between is bound to haunt them for long. Like last year, when they missed the title just on goal-difference to Dempo.
Interestingly, this season their hitman and skipper Odafe Okolie (24 goals in his kitty) have ensured that even if they finish equal on points with their nearest teams, they still would have a decent goal-difference to sail them through.

There is this invincibility which makes Churchill a treat to watch. Alemao had always "imported good players and coaches" -- Karim Bencharifa and Odafe were the latest imports in Churchill bandwagon. In fact, Alemao will go deep to find out decent combinations for his team. I feel, he is a better manager than any of those who are running club football in India.

Over the last couple of years, Alemao has successfully proved that East Bengal or Mohun Bagan are not unbeatable. During the transfer market, while the rest of the clubs would look for bigger names, Alemao would inevitably hire low-profile TFA cadets. Arindam Bhattacharya, Gourmangi Singh, Naoba Singh are some of his young players who have blossomed in his team. It is this idea of nurturing young talents which is now doing wonders for a team which lives on Alemao's passion.

Is Bob talking sense?

2009-03-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Riyas (Komu) asked me what do I feel about Bob Houghton's proposed idea of building Team India for Asian Cup 2011. Well, in the first place I was wondering if Bob is aware of the ground realities. By contracting the 25 best Indian footballers for the next two years and then engaging them with foreign exposure tours will certainly require a great amount of financial support. First question, where would the money come from?

Having done that (contracting the players) and thus removing the top names from club football would mean that Mohun Bagan, East Bengal or even Dempo will cease to exist as a club. We are not doubting Bob's footballing knowledge. But we can still expect some sensible ideas from this globetrotting coach. Like in his own country England (though he is based in South Africa), club culture is equally important in the Indian context. The Englishman would have given a second thought before proposing it.

Experts say a mininum budget of Rs 40 crores is required to maintained this team. So fund is a big issue here because All India Football Federation (AIFF) itself is struggling to generate funds for its own tournaments.
Besides, we are yet to know who would be central characters in his so-called Team India for the Asian campaign. His skipper (Baichung Bhutia) is in his mid-thirties. Renedy Singh too is ageing. Bob has completely failed to work on a second team which should have been in place after he took over in June, 2006. Some of the players who already deserved a place in the national squad doesn't know how much more they have to prove themselves. Too much big talk will not really help Indian football. Besides the alleged coterie inside the Indian team with "Bob the CEO" isn't doing good.

Karim's food and Nayeem

2009-03-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Time, as the cliché goes, really flies away.
1997. Slowly I was adjusting myself. Having left the city known for its never-ending football madness, I was transported to a city where I came across football clubs. But they just couldn’t match Kolkata. It was only during the Durand Cup's which brought some relief. Durand Cup showcased stars like IM Vijayan, Chima Okorie, Carlton Chapman, Joe Paul Anchery, Basudev Mondol and others. It was the perfect opportunity to know and understand them, I wondered.

But Syed Nayeemuddin’s presence overshadowed everybody. If I can recall, it was definitely not my first meeting with him. In 1995 in Calcutta when he was East Bengal coach I had managed to speak to him. But he was and still is monosyllabic. Hence, the interaction didn't happen at all.

With the early winter chill in October, Nayeem sahab walked in at the Ambedkar Stadium entrance. The crowd (mostly from Old Delhi) joslted for space. They wanted to talk to him. Share some inputs about the Indian team for which he was chosen as national coach. He wore his trademark spotless white full-sleeve shirt and blue denim jeans. And yes, he sported a Ray Ban sunglass.

Surprisingly, despite his stature as the national coach, he didn’t leave his one-room accommodation in Hotel Bombay Orient which interestingly is located in the heart of Old Dilli – Jama Masjid and opposite Karim's. Even much later, he never missed Karim's food and Old Delhi's ambience.

Interestingly, most of my initial interactions with him happened at this food joint. He would often call from a PCO (mobile phones still was not in vogue) or from his hotel and would invite me at Karim's. I discovered his love for food and he would explain why good food is necessary for footballers who mostly came from lower middle-class families. At his age (he was in early fifties then), his breakfast was sumptuous. It included bheja curry, mutton & chiken burra, naharis at times and roomali rotis. I would often stare at him with open-mouthed wonder. “Footballer needs good diet. It is essential to built a good physique,” he would often remind me.

Whether you were a journalist fascinated by Indian football, a rookie footballer who just made it to the national team, Nayeem sahab made everyone eat. Khalid Jamil had to finish off a glass of milk before he could say Khuda hafeez to his coach.

Our conversations would often revolve around football. But if you had waited for him to say something, Nayeem sahab would only lift his face and give a blank look because his fingers got busy to tear a delicious burra!

Do we really care for these legends?

2009-03-02T05:47:00.001-08:00

Those guys are so old, you can't put your arms around a memory" — Guns N'Roses

Those not in tune with Indian football history can easily dismiss Samar 'Badru' Banerjee, MA Salam, Zulfikar, Nikhil Nandi, SS Narayan, Ahmed Hussain and PK Banerjee as senior citizens. But when the skipper of that legendary 1956 football team, Samar Banerjee, walked down the memory lane, you knew their 'star' status.

Seven players of the 'Class of 56', as they once famously were known as, were felicitated by the sports minister, and all those present were overwhelmed by the humility of these former stars. Gill hugged them and praised their achievements, wondering how these legendary players were consigned to the dustbin of faded memories. So, when a host of TV crews rushed to grab some quick bytes, they felt honoured.

For some in the establishment, it have been like any other official function. But for these greats, it meant a lot — finally, a recognition from the government. It was an opportunity for them to interact with a much younger generation of mediamen who follow the Beckhams and Rooneys.

But it was pity to see PK Banerjee, arguably the most popular and who till recently remained the most active member from that great team. Sadly, Pradipda, recently survived a cerebral attack and his right side has been crippled by paralysis. He smiled and said "Beta I can't move my hand," when a young journalist asked for an autograph.

The recognition has come after 50 years. But why? We don't even know that. May be, the ex-officials in the Federation can explain better.
Late last year, Peter Thangaraj died. A month later, 1951 Asian Games hero Mewa Lal passed away. Sailen Manna is bedridden. Obituaries were already written on Jarnail Singh, Neville D'Souza, Aziz some years back. Even their father-figure coach (SA Rahim) had died almost forty years ago. Knowing that Rahim was key to India's stupendous success, we didn't bother to recognise his credentials. Under him, India reached the semifinals at Melbourne only to miss the bronze, going down to Bulgaria in the third-place play-off.

Understood, all these gentlemen played in an era which lacked media hype. But then, the Federation could have put in some effort to keep their memories alive. So when Badru read out a two-page obituary on his fellow teammates, we couldn't help but picturise his team's exploits in Melbourne. It must have been a great experience.

Public memory is too short. We forget things easily. What we do today, it's a bit difficult to recollect them tomorrow. We are worried because we wonder if the future generation will ever remember these footballing heroes.

The boat is cruising

2009-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

It seems just like other day. The summer of 1981. More than now, football was then the passion that ruled Kolkata's senses. And I wasn't immune to its charms.

My father has always been an avid football fan. Neither the scorching heat nor driving rain could stop him from watching football matches at the Maidan. So it wasn't surprising that as a 10-year-old, I was hooked to football. I could count on my fingertips the names of the players who represented Mohammedan Sporting, Mohun Bagan or East Bengal during those years.

It was my dream to watch a match at the Mohun Bagan ground. And it came true in 1981. We drove down from our home at Narkeldanga in North Calcutta to the Mohun Bagan ground. That was the first time I had set foot on the historic ground to witness a match between Mohammedan Sporting and Aryans.

Mohammedan Sporting won a thrilling match by a solitary goal scored by Kartick Seth. But I was captivated by the capacity crowds on wooden stands rooting for Sporting.

More than a decade later, a daily visit to the Bagan tent was to become a daily routine for me. Not as a fan but as a sports journalist. I followed the team practice, wait for a couple of interviews, and when that was over it was time for some fish fries, aloo dum, toast and a cup of tea at the Bagan canteen.

There were often animated and nostalgic discussions on the history of Mohun Bagan.

And what a history it is. In the winding streets of North Kolkata there existed a lovely bungalow owned by the Mitra family. That bungalow was known as Mohun Bagan Villa. It was in that bungalow where the roots of the greatest club in India grew. In 1889, Mohun Bagan club was formed. This particular street is now renamed as Mohun Bagan Lane. And it is a stone's throway from our ancestral place at Narkeldanga. A bare 6-7 kms from my place that I can stroll on the historic bylanes of Mohun Bagan Lane.

Eminent lawyer Bhupendranath Basu, who later on became the president of Indian National Congress was the first helmsman of the club which was then called Mohun Bagan Sporting Club. During its early days, Bagan captured the imagination of the people against British rule. Mohun Bagan's historic victory against East York in 1911gave them everything.

Soon the likes of Shibdas Bhaduri and others became household names after the triumph and the victory against East York gave a boost to India's freedom movement.
Until the end of the 20th century, Mohun Bagan would go on to win every major tournament in India some time or the other. But trouble started brewing in the early 1990s after the last elections and by 2004, the club had become a disgrace.
An institution that once united a race to fight against foreign rule, has now been reduced to a society of people with blinkered vision and overriding ambitions. Football and administration have been given the go by, and consequently the club has touched the nadir.

A player like Subroto Bhattacharya who played only for Bagan during his 17 year career, knows more about the club's politics than most people. Having coached Bagan to two National League titles and couple of other major trophies, Bhattacharya doesn't mince his words when it comes to politics in Bagan.

As I left Bhattacharya's office at Park Street, I came across another former Bagan player -- Prashanto Banerjee. One of India's finest midfielders, Banerjee, who led Bagan in 1988, says politics is ruining Bagan. 'The difference between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is that politics is less significant in East Bengal. But in Bagan it is dominant. That's the reason they are struggling."

Banerjee's argument has some logic. By 2004-05 Bagan had forgotten how to win. And there weren't many to cry over the club's misfortune. Mohun Bagan barely managed to save themselves from relegation in the last National Football League, but their humiliation was almost complete.

The green and maroon once epitomised tradition, fair play, dignity, virtues. But today they are missing. It can be recalled that in the 1970s a few footballers refused to take part in a tournament. But the then secretary Dhiren Dey declared that Bagan would field its groundsmen. That was the spirit and values the club stood for. That spirit seems to have vanished.

I also met Chuni Goswami. The living legend of Indian football was a loyal Bagan player who never changed his club. He too was distressed to see his favourite club struggle five years ago.

But now, it seems, the boat is cruising along well.

Thanks Karim.

(In Kolkata, 2005)

Indian team's London visit after 1948

2009-02-16T08:38:00.001-08:00

For nine months of the year, August to May, they spend Saturday evenings watching Premiership matches on television. They've looked on enviously as the players there -- Beckham, Bergkamp, Zola, Gascoigne -- have become household names in India, while they remain virtual unknowns. It must hurt, more so when they see how even average cricketers are treated here.

So the Indian football team has a chance to redress that imbalance when it sets off over the weekend on its first-ever tour of the UK. The last time an Indian football team went to the UK was in 1948, when Dr Taliremen Ao led the newly independent country's first-ever Olympic campaign in London. They aren't under any illusions about the tour's status there -- they'll be playing two second-grade sides and the Bangladesh national team -- but just going to the game's spiritual home means a lot to them.

There's been a noticeable buzz at the pre-tour camp here that's just wound up. The camp itself was different to others of its ilk; no more monotonous sessions morning and evening with precious little in between. Here, players have spent their time watching videos of the latest matches, including the Euro 2000 games. The All India Football Federation has also, for a change, managed tapes of the two English sides -- Fulham and West Bromwich Albion -- the Indians will be playing on this tour. The videos are followed by debate and discussion, opinion and analysis.

The enthusiasm apparently rubbed off on the players, too. Unlike previous camps, at which conversation usually revolved around the awful food or the pathetic accommodation, the new mantra is `homework'.

Pradipda -- coach P K Banerjee -- wants his boys to eat, drink and sleep football. Much of the enthusiasm, in fact, stems from the constant chatter of the voluble, affable paterfamilias talisman of Indian football. Banerjee has seen more of football in his days as a star player and star coach than almost anyone else in the country; when he talks, the players listen, and the mood filters through.

Bhutia is, of course, the team's resident expert on what it's like to play in England, having completed a not-unsuccessful first season with Second Division side Bury. He's an anomaly, though, and that's the unspoken aim of this tour: To have the English watch Asian talent, which otherwise is largely unrepresented in the country. It's a long-standing grievance within the Asian community, for whom football is only slightly less important than the ubiquitous cricket. It's been the subject of an acclaimed book, Corner Flags and Cornershops, which makes the plea that Asians can be as passionate about the game as anyone else.

There are a million probable reasons for Indian football not achieving much success. There's a strong awareness among players and officials that this tour, or the next to Korea, will not change the face of Indian football. Nor will India leapfrog overnight from the dismal 115th place it occupies in the FIFA world rankings. They probably won't even be able to emulate the team of 1948, 1952 or 1956 or 1960 and play the next Olympics.

One thing is certain, though; when these boys come back, their attitude will be more positive and European football will be knocked a wee bit off its pedestal.

(In Patiala, 2000)

From Iran with a football passion

2009-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

In the late 1970s and early 80s, this man was the most sought after striker in Indian football. Now, after his playing days are over, Iranian-born Jamshed Nassiri lives another life as a football coach in Kolkata. Nasirri speaks Hindi and Bengali like any Calcuttan. The City of Joy is now his home.

On any given day, Nassiri could be spotted at the Calcutta Football Club where he imparts knowledge of football to his wards. After his stint with Mohammedan Sporting early last year, Nassiri left for Duliajan in Assam where he coached Oil India Limited. But he couldn't stay there for long. He missed Calcutta dearly. Soon he came back to his 'home'.
"I like India. I found the culture and tradition common to Iran. It was a great experience playing in front of such a massive crowd. That's the reason I preferred to stay back here."

1979. I was barely 8-year-old then. It was not the age of Harry Potter. But of course, Tintin, Phantom and Lothar and Mandrake were there. They were my favourite pastimes. And there was one thing more.

The myriad football magazines which were so popular in Calcutta during those days. It was in one of those magazines (and I still possess those magazines which could be more than 100) that I saw Jamshed Nassiri for the first time. He didn't a sport a thick moustache then but still possess the same physique. He was clicked alongwith other Iranian players, Majeed Baskar and Mehmood Khabazi.

After 16 years, I happened to interact with this Iranian at the Mohammedan Sporting club premises. At that time he took over the reins of Mohammedan as a coach for a brief while. And still today, he looks like the same Nassiri as he was during his playing days. Elegant, fit and agile. Once when I had asked him to exhibit his 'headers' which once made him the most dangerous striker inside the 18-yard-box, Nassiri did it with same impetutiosity.

Though in the initial years it was only Majeed (a member of the Iranian World Cup team in 1978) who dazzled with his brilliant ball play and charisma, Nassiri incorporated his name in Indian football as one of the most devastating striker much later.
Probably the post 1982 saw Nassiri blossom into a devastating striker. Thrice he scored the match-winner in the successive Federation Cup finals and guided Mohammedan Sporting (1983, 1984) and East Bengal (1985) to triumphs. Nasirri played for East Bengal in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1985. His second Calcutta club was Mohammedan whom he joined in 1982, and stayed till the late 80s before he retired.

Nassiri came to India as a student along with Majid and Khabazi to study in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). But life had something else in store for him. Along with Majid, Nasirri soon started playing in Kolkata for East Bengal.
"Before coming to India, I was playing for Iran juniors. So it wasn't too difficult to carry on with football in India. And moreover, during the Varsity football tournament, I and Majeed scored a lot of goals. Our performance helped AMU win the title," Nassiri recalled those halcyon days.
"During the course of the tournament, some of the East Bengal officials were present and they had noticed our performances. And since a clutch of star footballers had left East Bengal in 1979, they wanted to build a decent side. The offer came instantly. And we also decided to take a dip in football crazy Calcutta."

After his retirement, Nassiri, who is happily married with his Indian wife and two kids in his modest apartment at Park Street in Calcutta, also left an indelible impression as a coach with Mohammedan Sporting and state team Maharashtra.

"If India is to reinstate its status as Asian power once again, it needs to focus on the talented players at the grassroot level," he said. The Iranian is focused to do something for Indian football. He firmly believes that for the development of football one needs to focus at the nursery level. Hence, he devotes his time and attention on the kids 'only' in the age-group of 5, 7, 9 at the Parsee Club in the Maidan.

(In Kolkata, 2005)

Enter the Dragon

2009-02-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

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)

Soccer balm provides healing touch to Bosnia

2009-02-05T05:23:00.000-08:00

Bosnia, after breaking away from Yugoslavia following the 1992 war, was slowly limping back to normalcy. But even before the newly-born nation could piece itself together, it was haunted by the most sadistic violence ever to visit the Europe since the Nazi campaigns: Ethnic cleansing.

On top of documented cases of systematic torture and murder in Bosnia, came the charges of a new Serb entity: mass rape. The rough estimates put the number between 30,000 to 50,000. Gang rapes of young girls in front of mothers, fathers, siblings and children, became the order of the day. In fact, rapes became an integral part of the ethnic cleansing and were committed explicitly to impregnate Muslim women and hold them captive until they gave birth to unwanted Serbian babies.

The leading citizens of Brcko, Bjeljina, Kljuc, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Kotor Varos, Zvornik, who owned a business, participated in the party of Democratic Action or held a University degree, were hunted down and liquidated.

Naturally, sport became an unwilling victim. Particularly, football, a passion with the Bosnians, was the worst hit by the Serbian atrocities. In the backdrop of war, football remained the only love for the troubled state. It speaks volumes of the tenacity and the fighting spirit of the players.

The conditions the players faced during the war are too terrifying to mention but they did not give up practising. "It is a miracle," said Laila Burekovic, who assists her country's federation in matters relating to international relations and transfer of footballers.

Little wonder then that goalkeeper Adnan Guso, an undoubted star here in the just-concluded Sahara Cup, stood under the bar with a steely resolve. The towering goalkeeper actually brandished a gun during the war.

Three other members of the current team, which played the final against Yugoslavia, were also involved during the hostilities. Skipper Dzallaludin Murahemovic, Sead Saferovic and Asmir Ikanovic exchanged and dodged bullets against the Serbian forces during the height of war that commenced after the birth of Bosnia.

"It was not a war. It was a genocide," says Laila. After the heat and dust had settled down, the Bosnians concentrated on repair works: to develop the game and put their country on the football map. Funds were raised to rebuild stadiums damaged during the war. Fifa also accorded its recognition in 1993 when it became a separate football entity.

Two years later, they made their debut against Albania during a friendly match. A 0-2 loss was not encouraging. After all, the fledgling national team comprised ageing stars. Among them was Faruk Hadzibegic, who guided the national team in subsequent years and helped Yugoslavia qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

The achievement was something out of the ordinary. In its hour of glory, Laila’s heart goes out to Zelimir Vidovic, a national footballing icon for Yugoslavia and FC Sarajevo, as she recollects the gunning down of Vidovic during the war. She also remembers the scores of other players lost during the aggression. Some fled the country, maimed and killed by the horrendous violence.

The call of the hour, as Laila puts it, is to look ahead. Bosnia have held their own in soccer and continue to feature prominently in basketball, handball, volleyball and winter sports.

Bosnia’s initial results in international football turned out to be rather depressing. Heavy defeats to Greece (0-3) and Croatia (1-4) in 1996 in the World Cup qualifiers spelt doom for the nation’s footballing aspirations. They narrowly missed a Euro 2000 slot owing to injuries and suspensions.

However, under the enterprising Faud Muzurovic, a stalwart of prominent FC Sarajevo, the team began on a confident note. Eleven new faces took to the pitch against Slovenia and won. And the flow of confidence enabled the side win two of their last three matches of the qualifying programme, ending with a 3-0 demolition of the mighty Denmark in front of the 40,000 roaring spectators in Sarajevo’s Olympic Stadium.

Bosnia, with three wins from eight outings, may find gaining a spot in the World Cup difficult. But the side, dotted with several players from Europe’s top leagues, is capable of surprising the best in business. Hence, the Bosnians will need some watching as the 2002 World Cup qualifiers hots up.

Even a World Cup spot now is a distant dream. But three wins from eight outings has provided ample encouragement.

(In Calcutta, Jan, 2001)

Crumbling walls of Delhi football

2009-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Surrounded by crumbling walls and three surviving gates, the still vibrant old Delhi, built during Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's reign, is very much a city within a city.

A labyrinth of serpentine lanes crowded with rickshaws, it is lined with 17th-century havelis whose once ornate facades are now defaced with rusted signs and sprouting satellite dishes. This decay symbolises the dwindling fortune of football in the Walled City, a sad state of affairs since it once used to dominate Capital's soccer scene.

In the halcyon days, driven by passion for the game, old Delhi traders and businessmen did not mind diverting their business profits into football, helping the emergence of well-known clubs like City Club, Shastri FC, Youngmen, Mughals, and Indian Nationals.
While the clubs flourished, the game attracted the middle-class. Such was the clubs' appeal that even common folks came forward with contributions as clubs like Indian Nationals or City Club became a part of their lives.

Today, these clubs are up against harsh reality: How to carry on their legacy without funds? Passion alone cannot take them forward. The clubs have ceased to enjoy patronage from the locals as well. And businessmen no longer support them as they used to.
Most of these clubs spend from their own pockets. Gone are the days when these clubs would be treated with handsome contributions from Delhiites.
"It's definitely good for the game here. But there should be more takeovers like this," said a Delhi Soccer Association official.
Today, a top club needs about Rs 10 to 15 lakh to run its affairs. It's a huge amount by Delhi standards as football is still a poor man's game here. But still, some clubs are able to manage the money required to run their affairs which indicates there are takers for the game.

Most of these clubs depend on their communities for financial support. But with football's charm slowly fading, even old fans now chose to stay away.

One of the main reasons for the decline of soccer in the Capital, club officials feel, is that DSA does not have its own ground. "Ambedkar Stadium (which usually hosts important football matches) is easily accessible for fans from the Walled City. But ever since some games have been shifted out of Ambedkar, fans have found it difficult to follow their teams," said a club official.

In fact, absence of proper grounds have pushed Delhi football way behind the rest. There was a time when people used to kick a ball on the roads, in the parks and in empty areas which have now been taken over by high-rise buildings.

"In old Delhi, if someone played football, others watched him. And gradually followed him. That was how many youngsters took to the game," said an old fan who has been following Delhi football for decades.

With some leading corporates showing interest in Indian soccer recently, there has been something to cheer about for the soccer fan. But how will the lot of Delhi football improve, no one knows.

(In Delhi, 2007)

Renedy still going strong

2009-02-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

"Dada sorry for not being able to return your call the other day," Renedy (Singh) seemed apologetic. But he was quick to add, "How would you rate my performance against Mohun Bagan?". For the record, Rahim Nabi scored one of his two goals from his freekick in East Bengal's memorable 3-0 win over Bagan in a crucial I-League match in Kolkata.

Whether its his vicious free-kicks or scorching runs down the left, the Manipuri medio hasn't lost that element of touch even after completing a decade in football. A regular for the Indian team since his senior debut in 1996, Rennedy appears the most settled player after Baichung Bhutia in an Indian side that has witnessed constant change in the last couple of years.

But for him the last two years (2005, 2006) had been pretty difficult. He was out of the national squad for a year-and-a-half followed by a niggling knee injury which forced him to leave the glam world of Calcutta football, and later found himself out of favour with the national coaches. Still, Renedy didn't threw in the towel.

In 2004, the Manipuri-born medio scored his fourth international goal against Singapore in a pre-World Cup qualifier. Close on the heels of that stupendous show, he earned an impressive club deal; Mohun Bagan appointed him their captain in that year. But things didn't turn out to his expectations.

Mohun Bagan was his last big club in 2004 before he joined JCT. He felt that he was forced to leave Kolkata as things weren't that conducive in Bagan. Besides the club didn't clear his dues. Things weren't on his side.

True. 2004 had been a topsy-turvy year for him. Bagan released him midway and he was reduced to a non-entity in Kolkata football. He wanted to join East Bengal but the strange transfer contracts between Bagan and East Bengal had shut the door on him -- he was out of football and out of club. After a brief spell in one low-profile club in Kolkata, Rennedy finally took the toughest of all decisions: bid adueu to Kolkata football.

Later Rennedy found solace in National colours in 2006, though it came after two years. "In 2005-06 I had performed well with JCT. But still didn't get a national call. But finally, I guess the justice has been done to my hard work."

Far away from the hype of Kolkata football, life became a wee-bit difficult for Renedy in Phagwara. "JCT have the best of football facilities. Bt it was a new place for me. And like any newcomer it was becoming tough to adjust." Yet, he survived the toughest of moments -- both as a player and an individual -- and seldom lost hope for a revival.

The Fab Four

2009-02-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

Manoel M Flores Junior (Brazil), Gonzalo Bossart (Chile), Pedro Rodrigues (Portugal) and Taufique Ahmed (a former AIFF official) are all in their early thirties. They have different backgrounds. But all four are linked to football. Currently they are working on a project that dwells on Indian football at the FIFA International Master in Zurich. The combo of ideas emanating from a Brazilian, Chilean and a Portuguese and guided by an Indian, if assembled together and endorsed by FIFA later could well become a guideline to resuscicate Indian football by forming a successful and independent league in the line of EPL (England) or La Liga (Spain).

"In India there is only one sport to compete with. While football in America has to compete with four major sports, in India the scenario in different," Junior said.

"If you compare Indian football with Brazil, Chile and Portugal with their own established leagues, the attempt to create a successful league is seen by some people almost as impossible. This is exactly where we come in. We believe India has got potential in becoming an important stakeholder in world football," explained Junior, who heads a commercial operations responsible for football telecasts in Brazil. Besides, the Brazilian also control and coordinate the delivery of commercial advertising in TV channels.

But Chilean Bossart is a practicing lawyer who earlier was associated with Chilean government as head of Control Unit and Sports Organizations, ministry of justice, at the Legal Person Department. He also worked with legal department of National Institute of Sports of Chile. Indian football have already entered into a tie-up with Portugal since 2006 and the Indian team have been touring since then. But are these tie-ups going to bring about any changes? "One of our goals is to analyze how effective are these tie-ups. If any of its aspects can be applied in the formation of a league. The exchange of knowledge with Belenenses (one of Portugal's top clubs) is sure to have an impact on Indian football," said Pedro Rodrigues.

Junior believes that a Diego Maradona visit will not change Indian football. "Presenting celebrities is certainly an effective marketing strategy but it's not everything. A mix of initiatives ranging from community partnerships and infrastructure development to media relationships will all have to be dealt with."

Despite the hurdle, there is a ray of hope. "With only one sport dominating, India allows more room for another to be introduced successfully. Just to remember that we are not talking about any sport, we are talking about the world's most popular game," explained Ahmed.

(In New Delhi, 2009)

Soccer a big hit in rural Orissa

2009-02-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

One may have heard abour hockey being played in tribal areas of Orissa. But the state's non-descript river-locked villages of Kendrapara district has witnessed a silent soccer revolution has been taking place. These handful of villages have been throwing up women footballers of class regularly over the last four years, five of whom have already donned the India colours in international tournaments.

In fact, the Aul-Rajkanika belt is now being considered as the nursery of women football in Orissa from where talents are being picked for training in state-run sports hostels.

Sixteen-year-old Sushmita Mallick recently accompanied three other young girls of the area to Kuala Lumpur to represent the country in an age-group tournament, virtually pushing aside the prevalent caste and gender bias.

Sushmita, along with Sangita Patra, Suprava Samal, Bijoylaxmi Sahu and Alochana Senapati have broken new grounds, said Debendra Sharma, president of the Kendrapara district committee, who is considered the chief patron of women's football in the region.

Sharma, for whom football is a passion, is also vice-president of the state Women's Football Association. It all started happening after a series of exhibition women's football matches were organised at the mini stadium at Aul in 2002. A novel concept to the local people, it evoked much enthusiasm and curiosity among young girls.
"After the completion of matches, we invited the girls to come forward to participate in a training camp. The response was unprecedented as over 40 girls, accompanied by their parents turned up for the training session. They have not looked back thereafter," Sharma said.

While five of the girls belonging to Malapatana, Giribandha and Goudapatana villages have already become internationals, 13 girls from the area have been chosen for the state under-19 and under-16 teams, Sharma said.

Seeing the talent the girls had, the state department of sports deputed a coach to train them. Initially, the physical education teacher of a local college volunteered to coach the girls. "But later we recruited a trained coach, Chittaranjan Patra to nurture these talented girls."

Sharma said several hurdles were encountered in training the girls as they were mostly from dalit background and had little to look forward to their future.
Some of those who encouraged the girls to take off on an unknown career in sports even spent from their own pockets to keep the training programme running. But when the girls began to excel on the field, contributions came voluntarily from other sources. "Though the initial days were hard, the burden eased with majority of the footballers being accommodated in the government-run sports hostel at Bhubaneswar," he said.

(In Kendrapara, Orissa, 2006)

Tribute from an artist

2009-02-03T08:56:00.001-08:00

A boy stitching a football -- an universal emblem of aspiration. This vibrant pose in the slums of Brazil was immediately captured by Riyas Komu, an accomplished Mumbai-based painter and a photographer. Even after establishing himself as a renowned painter, this Kerala-born artist hasn't forget his first love: football. He wants to live with the game along with art.

But Why he has chosen Indian footballers as his subject. "Indian football has brought in some fame through their modest effort but we don't have time to attend them. The players are not to be blamed for it. They actually struggle with their lives than the game."

Riyas grew up playing football and lived with it till the age of 21 in Kerala. And then he moved to Mumbai to pursue art. His work refers to the paradoxes of the urban situation where there is glamour and abject poverty. He is compassionate yet it is laced with cynism.
"I realised the players' issues from an artist's point of view. My art revolves around socio-political issues. I decided to give first preference to players' issues because I've found they are not treated well despite being the national players," he added.

So while Habibur Rahman posed with his modest bike on the Hooghly bridge or NS Manju on a Kolkata street, Riyas was happy clicking them from a difficult angle.

"As an artist, I want to speak for these players through my works. Its not just a subject for me. I see it as my responsibility!"

The exhibition was divided into four parts and titled 'Mark Him'. The first half was held in Mumbai in 2007 followed by the second half in Kolkata in 2008. So while he traveled extensively from Goa to Kolkata and in Mumbai, one can gauge his sincere effort to do something for footballers who are usually left behind in the publicity market.

"When I finished my art training in 1999 and came to stay at Borivili, my interest in the game was revived. But I found that most of these footballers don't even get a good room to sleep.
"They should not miss anything because they play a game where they have to "pass it around".

(In Delhi & Mumbai, 2007)

Has Kolkata football slowly walked into the sunset?

2009-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying -- Michael Jordan

The rickety wooden stands at Mohammedan Sporting ground in Kolkata hits you on the face. It tells you a tale of a series of failures the century-old club has been battling with. After the club logged themselves out of the XIth National Football League, Sporting fans are now reeling under a certain kind of fear psychosis.

Sporting's story isn't an isolated case. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan's pdestrian show in recent years have re-established the hard-core truth about Kolkata's gradual decline as a powerhouse. There were early warnings. But then the Kolkata clubs overlooked the imminent danger as they wore arrogance on their sleeves. Because in Kolkata, officials always beleive that 'tradition and history' would sail them through.

But then the combo effect of 'history and tradition' has been proved redundant in their bid to resurrect an image lost long back. Sample this. The last time a Bengal team won the National Championship for Santosh Trophy was in 1998 while after 2003-04 no other Kolkata club has been able lay their hands on NFL crown.

A quote on Kolkata's football culture from none other than FIFA President Sepp Blatter will put things in the right perspective. "I visited three clubs. One (Mohun Bagan) which was over a hundred years old. It was established even before FIFA in the past century. Its infrastructure is from that century only."

While Dempo, Mahindra United or even JCT showed exuberance and committment every time they stepped on to the field, Kolkata clubs kept themselves busy with debilitating issues off the field.

At one stage, it looked like East Bengal would pip frontrunners Dempo and Mahindra in the NFL title race. But ideological differences between chief coach Carlos Roberto Pereira and tecnhical manager Manoranjan Bhattacharya put paid to their hopes of a possible fourth title.

At Bagan, the scenario was even worst. They got trapped in their self-created complications after rebellious streak in their senior players inlcuding Baichung Bhutia and Jose Ramirez Barreto saw four coaches made the exit midway into the NFL season!

With better-organised teams like Dempo, Churchill and Mahindra virtually outpacing Bagan or East Bengal, justifiably then, should we still refer to Kolkata as the 'Mecca of Indian football'. Because like the holy Mecca's geographical position, Indian football too has shifted to the West.

Probably the best quote on Kolkata football came from Blatter's counterpart in Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mohammed Bin Hammam. "We have seen your three clubs. We know you have the history. But what is the future?"

The AFC president's evaluation was correct and to the point. After all, 'past history and tradition' in no way can lift the game from where it is today. No wonder then the clubs' future seems to be heading towards an unidentified zone. People have lost interest in games while players have lost their will to play and club officials are not too keen to run the game.

Added to the woes is the amateur set-up where unprofessionalism runs deep in the football system. Officials often blame it on sponsors or players. When none of the blame seems accurate, coaches are made scapegoats.

In the 70s and 80s, Bengal was considered to be the supplyline of footballers. Using informal network of scouts, dedicated club officials searched for talent. There was dedication and an intense love for the club. But none of these happens anymore as officials prefer 'dubious agents' to do the overseas scouting during the transfer market. In this way, money is made from overseas players' by the officials and from anything that represents the club. Be it commissions for players' kits or others.

Then there is serious lack of investment in its youth teams. If the first guilt of not having full-time youth structure was outrageous, then fielding overaged players made a total mockery of city's football setup.

Has Kolkata football slowly walked into the sunset?

(In Kolkata, 2007)

Danny, Tinkitam & Baichung

2009-02-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

Tinkitam won't sound like some place on Mars if for those who keep track of
Indian football. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Kanchenjanga, it is a place almost ethereal in beauty. But getting there is almost as difficult as solving some cryptic clues. With the early morning cold wind often numbing your senses and the rocky path sometimes making your knees wobble, you might throw in the towel. But then the challenge is worth taking only because of Baichung Bhutia.

Forget about Tinkitam's latitude and longitude, locating it on the atlas would definitely require a magnifying glass. The place is virtually cut off from the satellite world. Telephones, cable networks or even the cacophony of vehicles are yet to make any inroad in this sleepy hamlet firmly placed at the foothills of Kanchenjunga. Silence spreads like a contagion as you weave past the lush green cardamom plantations on either side of the two kilometre stretch which leads to the Indian captain's village.

Yet, the passport to this remotest village happens to be Indian football's only superstar -- Baichung. And even if you are not comfortable with the local Nepali dialect, simply roll out the words, `Baichung, Baichung' and you would be heading towards his home.

After Danny Denzongpa, this tiny Himalayan state got Baichung as their most adorable celebrity. And the Sikkimese are quite elated. Why not? After all, heroes are rarely bred in the mountains where life is extremely hard and steeped in poverty and backwardness.

In the early nineties, a precocious talent emerged from the obscurity of a relatively unknown village called Tinkitam to do wonders with that spherical leather object called football, Short and stocky, Bhutia soon became a rage with the hillmen. His import to the motherland of soccer -- England -- in 1999 has given his modest village a shot in the arm. No wonder, Tinkitam instantly gained international fame.

In fact, the Sikkimese has even emulated his 'Grandpa' Danny in terms of hero worship and popularity; and the hillmen's unbriddled joy and happiness is expressed through football, and Bhutia can claim to be a trendsetter.

In Tinkitam and elsewhere in his state, Bhutia is more than a football star. He is the Little Buddha. Or even a Karmapa whose hero worship is almost legendary. You may not come across any `Baichung shrine' but the Sikkim Government has paid obeisance to the celebrity in the form of a stadium at Namchi, 45 minutes drive from Tinkitam. Baichung Stadium at Namchi stands tall for posterity to reminiscence his impressive track record in a sport which sadly has few takers in India.

True, Bhutia hasn't won an Olympic or a World Cup medal for India. Yet, he stands tall among his contemporaries because of his sheer tenacity to achieve against all odds. And that's may be the reason why every hillman whether Bhutia, Nepali or a Lepcha tries to identify himself with him.

For just as Jesse Owen's was the Blacks answer to German superiority in athletics, Bhutia is the mountain's answer to the plain's mastery over football.

"Earlier, the parents used to push their children into studies. But ever since Bhutia became a star things have changed. They now take pride in pursuing football as a career," said Samteng Dorji, who himself takes part in afternoon practice seesion at the Baichung Stadium.

At Bhutia's school at Tashi Namgyal Academy, Sikkim's most prestigious and premier institutions in Gangtok where he was sent as a nine-year-old, students pin up his pictures in their hostel room. Because Baichung spells pride. "He has earned a lot of fame," exclaims a hotel boy, Nim Tshering, who recalls the young striker practising on the hard and sandy Palzor Stadium.

Bhutia in fact personifies the essence of the Sikkimese character -- honest, modest and simple. At the core of Bhutia becoming a cult figure, an icon, is essentially the mountain people's endless struggle against hostile surroundings. His success story has done wonders for the hillmen to take up the cudgels and weave more success for their state.

Bhutia's success story has even boosted the state's tourism industry. In an effort to attract more tourists, the Ravangla Tourism Centre proudly displays in its brochures 'Come and visit Tinkitam, Baichung Bhutia's birthplace.'

Bhutia's parents -- father Dorji Doma and mother Sonam Topden -- are proud of their son. Though they are not aware much about his exploits, yet they are contended that Bhutia is still the most res;pected and demanding footballer in the country. "Bhutia has done us proud. He is there right at the top," said Topden, Bhutia's mother, with a surge of pride by pointing her finger to the tip of the Mt Kanchenjunga.

(In Tinkitam, Sikkim, 2001)

With love from Iran

2009-02-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

On an insipid Saturday morning in the Capital, Jamshed Nasiri's tiring eyes (he is on a whirlwind tour of the country) lit up after watching young footballers from Capital's renowned schools turn up in expensive jerseys and kits. But Nasiri isn't so surprised. After all, most of these participating teams are from Capital's renowned private schools.

"Watch this boy," he points to a Air Force School player. "Watch his ball control. He is a very skillful player who made it to the Arsenal last year," he added.

A trip to Arsenal is a dream which every young footballer will look forward to. And Nasiri was here to spot talents (only 3-4 players per city) find a place in the final 30 which will be pruned to 16 before making it to Arsenal to represent India.

This former East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting star talks about developing a football culture in India. He doesn't even mind working with youngsters. "I can tell you there are good talent in the country. We only need to spot and groom them. Tata Tea-Arsenal venture is only a modest effort to promote these players," he shares his experience as a spotter.

But when told that in cities like Delhi, kids from affluent families play soccer just for status symbol, Nasiri smiles. "At the Sir Dukhiram coaching centre on the Maidan in Kolkata, I know small kids who play with tattered boots. They eat only chana. Still they are so passionate about football," he draws a comparison between the two different socio-economic conditions.

After having played the game at top level, Nasiri explains why seven-a-side game should be strictly adhered to. "In a full-team game, players waste time. But seven-a-side or five-a-side events keep players busy because speed and skill are vital," he said.

But will this abridged format mar the very essence of the game? "No," says Nasiri, adding, "For such games, one needs more skill and speed, which is good for competition."

Besides keeping a tab on the teams' performances, Nasiri doesn't forget to talk about Delhi football. "Capital's football is better now than what I saw during my playing days. Atleast ND Heroes, Indian Nationals and Simla Youngs are trying to introduce professionalism," he said.

"If India is to reinstate its status as Asian power once again, it needs to focus on the talented players at the grassroot level," comes the suggestion from this Iranian who now takes his caravan to Lucknow, Chandigarh and other cities before selecting 30players for a session with Arsenal coaches.

(In New Delhi, 2009)

Kashmir and its women footballers

2009-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Just adjacent to the school campus, CRPF jawans keep a vigil from their hideouts but Hina and her friends are hardly bothered by their presence. Instead, these Kashmiri girls are enjoying themselves to the hilt, by playing the world's most popular sport -- football.

Interestingly, there is no fatwa against Hina, Ruksana, Nazia... who are dreaming to become footballers and, who practise in a school ground in Srinagar's posh Rajbagh area which is near the Bakshi Stadium which recently hosted the National Football Championship.

Gun-toting securitymen notwithstanding, presently, one does come fact-to-face with the fact that the Valley is moving forward on many counts, as evidenced by the regular participation of girls in football.

At the Rajbagh Girls' Secondary School, around 45 girls from different schools turned up almost everyday for the local selection trials. After the trials, the team will travel to Leh next month for the U-19 state championship. "They are highly excited at being part of a football team," said coach Mushtaq Ahmed Dar.

No hardliner has yet spoken against the presence of women in a 'manly' game. But the girls prefer to be in trousers and not in formal football shorts. "There are no strict guidelines on the use of hijabs. Some use it, others don't. Football is the key word," asserts Dar.

Whether, it's making an accurate pass or taking a freekick, the girls seemed focused on training. Also, football seems to have made them bold and confident. For the record, though, Jammu & Kashmir has not yet seen an exclusive women's sports events.

"Earlier, Kashmiri Muslim families had an orthodox mentality. During and after militancy, most girls opted to study outside the state. It helped change their mindset. That's why most families here do not mind sending their girls for sporting activity," feels Humaira Showkat, who is pursuing her PhD in sociology from Aligarh Muslim University.

Dar explains: "TV has changed our society. After watching some women sports events, these girls have been encouraged to dream. Though they are aspiring to be footballers, most of them idolizes tennis star Sania Mirza because she is the only celebrated Muslim sportswomen in our country."

When I asked some of these girls if they were uncomfortable playing a game dominated by men, they felt there should not be any gender bias, particularly in today's progressive society. "Girls are excelling in various fields and there is no reason why we should not participate in football too."

The recent football National Football Championship in Kashmir has given them a fillip. They now believe more than before that the situation is conducive for football in the state.

(Srinagar, June 2008)

2009-02-03T08:40:00.001-08:00

A drive to the Bishan Stadium -- home to Home United Football Club -- shows just how much Singaporeans care about sports. A spotless entrance and a row of small, sparkling cafeterias in front of the stadium add to your belief that when it comes to the maintenance of soccer stadiums, Singapore can match the best in the world.

Saturday being a weekend, routine football practice games are off the schedule. Yet, some amateur players are busy sharpening their skills. One can feel the vibrant football culture here. But a conversation with PN Sivaji, head coach of Home United, leaves you wondering.

The level of football in Singapore is the same as in India. But Indian football is better placed. Interestingly, Singapore is ranked 128 against India's 153 in the FIFA list. "The main problem here is that football is not vibrant here. There are no icons like Baichung Bhutia. Talks are on to sign up foreign players but we are still waiting. Besides, we have to train and play on the same pitch, which is a major hurdle," he adds.

Though football and the S-League here is well organised, there is still lack of patronage, of fans and sponsors. "People are not interested in watching the league matches live. Unlike in India, the clubs here have to pay money to TV channels for the telecast of their matches."

Sivaji chips in with a word of praise for the current Indian team. "The present Indian squad has tremendous potential, but the desired results are not coming. It is just a matter of time before everything falls in place."

Home United, owned by Singapore's home ministry, finished second in last year's S-League and are currently placed third. Incidentally, the club club will face Dempo Sports Club in the home-away AFC Cup matches in September.

The country boasts of 12 multipurpose stadiums of which two are exclusively for football. But Sivaji, who is also the technical director of Singapore national team, says: "Football here is ruled more by the bookies." Football betting was made legal in Singapore in 1989 to reduce illegal gambling. Even the dates and timings of matches are decided by the bookies. Surprisingly, money doesn't come from gate-collection but betting generates around 60 to 70 per cent of the revenue.

(In Singapore, July 2008)

Football Comes Home

2009-02-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

It was in the year 1982 that Indian football woke up to stark reality. With the World Cup semifinals and final beamed live from Spain for the first time ever, aficionados with open-mouthed wonder realised how obsolete Indian football had become. For them, the opportunity to watch world class action on TV was just like taking a break from their mundane daily routine to venture into the cool climes of a hill station.

But much before the World Cup telecast happened and EPL had made inroads into Indian drawing rooms, the inaugural Nehru Cup in 1982 at Kolkata had already 'exposed' the standard of Indian football. The event, meanwhile, was so popular that across Kolkata (then Calcutta), the Nehru Cup became the subject of all conversation.

But it was not surprising then. The Kolkata league and other domestic events were becoming too tacky to follow, and the Nehru Cup was a refreshing offering. Without doubt, witnessing the Nehru Cup became much more exciting than watching homegrown 'stars' in action.

Nobody had imagined that the Nehru Cup would be a runaway hit in its very first year. The pace, the style and the approach of the visiting teams clearly differentiated it from Indian football. Though the loyalty for Mohun Bagan or East Bengal was still there, Kolkatans switched their allegiance when it came to Nehru Cup.

After all, who wouldn't have been mesmerised by sorcerrs like Enzo Francescoli Uruguay), Laszlo Kiss (Hungary), Jorge Burruchaga (Argentina), Nery Pumpido Argentina), Euzebiusz Smolarek (Poland), Rinat Dasayev and Alexei Mikhailichenko both Russian)?

And, yes, who can forget the eccentric genius, the Argentine coach Carlos Bilardo, who was best remembered for his expulsion from the bench by the referee following a heated argument?

Probably, that was the only time when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) brought quality international teams for the Nehru Cup. As the years wore on, particularly in the early 90s, the federation lost both passion and motivation to continue with its only international tournament.

Cut to the present, and the revival of the ONGC Nehru Cup could have happened much earlier. Lack of international outings, both at home and away, and a serious lack of initiative from the federation had sounded the death knell of an Indian team which always relied on 'promise'. No wonder then, the success-starved national squad slipped down the FIFA rankings.

But thanks to chief coach Bob Houghton (the Englishman made AIFF bosses realise the importance of international events) that ONGC Nehru Cup is finally taking off once again, after a decade's hiatus. But then, this year's event, which will see five Asian nations in action, could also have included a top Asian team or one from Latin America or Europe. With the contesting nations ranked well outside the top 100, the event definitely won't rank among the best of the 12 editions held so far.

However, it's not known if the federation was keen on continuing with the Cup anyways. Earlier, it was an annual affair till 1989. Then, it became a biennial event. And after 1997, when India finished third, the Nehru Cup went off the radar completely.

In the past, the AIFF had cited paucity of funds and other reasons to ignore the Cup's revival. But now that the corporates have evinced interest in football, the federation will do well to enter into a longterm agreement to keep the event afloat. Else, it will once again be packed off like it was 10 years ago.

(In New Delhi, 2007)