India’s sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore says that India has the potential to play in the FIFA World Cup in coming future but the country can reach the competitive standard only if opportunities are created for the players.
“Football’s popularity is rising in India. The number of people who turned up to watch FIFA U-17 World Cup was same as IPL matches. India hasn’t played in FIFA World Cup but we have potential. If potential is linked to opportunities, India will start playing in FIFA World Cup very soon. Be it football, or any other sports, India has tremendous potential,” Rathore said,” Rathore said, speaking at an inter-embassy football tournament, organised by the Russian Embassy.
Rathore said the training opportunities and support for the players are much better now and also urged schools to focus on promoting sports and not just academics.
He also revealed that in the next edition of Khelo India, the government will not only organise Under-17 Games but also Under -21 (College Games) events.
He also opened up on the team which he will support in FIFA World cup “I see with what commitment and passion the players play. Sometimes it’s Brazil and sometimes it’s Argentina but I am the biggest fan of India. We have to see when India plays at FIFA World Cup.“
