As we approach the conclusion of the FIFA Football World Cup, hosted by Qatar this year, data from FIFA reveals that over 2.45 million people attended the initial 48 matches. Notably, among the 1.8 million tickets sold in the first two phases, more than 23,500 were purchased by passionate Indian football fans. This signifies a growing enthusiasm for the sport in India, fueled by exposure to top-quality action from European leagues and the sport’s domestic growth.
Despite the increasing interest, India’s national teams face a considerable journey, still distant from competing at the level of the top teams in Asia and worldwide. A stark example is the recent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup hosted in India, where the team failed to secure a point or score a goal, conceding 16 goals in three matches.
The question arises: Why should India aspire to excel in football when it already boasts supremacy in cricket, badminton, wrestling, and hockey? The answer lies in India’s ongoing sports renaissance, with athletes achieving global success in various disciplines. To extend this success to football, a sustained commitment to its development is crucial.
Football, often termed “the beautiful game,” has a global appeal that unites people through its spectacular spectacle. India has the potential to contribute to this legacy, evident in the growing fan base of approximately 160 million football enthusiasts, as per a recent study by FC Goa. Harnessing this love for the game, especially among children, could pave the way for India’s participation in future FIFA World Cups.
Promoting sports, particularly football, among children not only contributes to holistic development but also offers numerous benefits, including a healthier body, a stronger mind, resilience, improved social skills, and enhanced empathy. Furthermore, sports foster inclusivity, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together for a common goal.
Creating a sustainable sports ecosystem, identifying and nurturing raw talent from an early age, requires substantial, long-term investments from corporates, the government, and other stakeholders. In comparison to India’s minimal spending on sports, substantial investments can lead to job creation, income generation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social cohesion.
By investing in sports, business leaders and corporates passionate about wellbeing can contribute to the development of real-life heroes, individuals who overcome adversity to achieve success. As the current FIFA World Cup edition concludes, let’s aspire to make India a reservoir of football talent on the global stage, with the ultimate goal of lifting the Cup of Joy someday.
