Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said India has the potential to break into the top 50 in the FIFA rankings, according to a statement by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). AIFF executives, including president Kalyan Choubey, met Mandaviya on Thursday and briefed him about the existing AIFF-FIFA Academy in Odisha and plans to build four more similar facilities in different zones. Mandaviya was quoted as saying in an AIFF release: “We need to devise a well-thought-out plan and put it into action so that India can reach below 50th place in the FIFA rankings within the next 10 years.”
“India boasts one of the largest pools of young talent in the world. The focus should be on identifying grassroots talent. They should be developed in parallel with the development of coaches, who are crucial to the growth of the sport. The FIFA rankings began in 1992 and the highest ranking for the Indian men’s football team was 94th, achieved in February 1996. The team rarely had a chance to finish in the top 100.
In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, the Indian football team is ranked 127th, down two places from the list in early October. Asian World Cup regulars Japan, Iran, South Korea and Australia are ranked 15th, 18th, 23rd and 26th respectively in the latest rankings.
After the meeting, where the importance of coach development was also discussed, the Minister assured AIFF of all possible support for the development of sports in India.
The minister said, “Rapid economic growth and the expansion of the middle class are changing attitudes towards sport.Unlike before, parents are now encouraging their children to combine academics with sport. ” he pointed out.
“The government is committed to providing comprehensive support to the development of sports in India. Initiatives such as new training centers and partnerships with international organizations will accelerate progress,” Choubey said. He said he had presented a detailed plan to Mr.
“Given the size and population of a vast country like India, it is not enough to have one AIFF and FIFA academy in Odisha.We are therefore looking to bring similar technical support from FIFA to the region. We have proposed creating four more academies. “Currently, India has 25 fully professional clubs in ISL and I-League. In addition, there are 80 AIFF accredited academies and all these teams have category teams in the under-13 age group, details of which has been clarified.” Submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Project Director Ged Lodhi, who is currently on a visit to India, also attended the meeting along with AIFF Secretary General Anil Kumar.
The AIFF-FIFA Academy was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha following a visit by world-renowned coach Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development.
The academy currently has 32 cadets. FIFA TDS Project Director Mr. Lodhi is currently visiting India to review the project.
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