India lost all
its encounters in the ongoing World Cup under 17 and had to exit in the first
round itself though not disgracefully but with some respect as they played with
some improved techniques, of course thanks to the Portuguese Coach whose elders
have laid a strong base of Goan soccer. India’s exit is unbearable when it is
having lot of resources to produce best of foot-ballers not only in India and
Asia but in the whole World too. Indian Olympic squad in 1956 Melbourne
Olympics had the unique distinction to enter into quarter final where for one
of the brilliant hat trick goals of our Goan Neville D’Souza, the then Olympic
President just jumped from his chair in excitement, exclaiming, “see the wonderful
goal scored by that Indian”. Those days
players had more dedication for the love of soccer but today it is for money
and other perks. Besides, there is no
dedication on the part of the soccer administrators to improve the standard of
this game in India.
In Kuwait I
saw its Junior national team and I can rightly say they will easily beat our
seniors. Why this disparity when India
is such a huge country having such a vast manpower at its disposal that can be
trained so well as it was done in Kuwait with the paid assistance of Brazilian
know-how? The Kuwaiti Senior soccer team
is one of the best in Asia and being a small country having such a thin
manpower, Kuwait played in the Olympics and World Cup too because Kuwait has
dedicated, sincere and faithful officials to run their Soccer.
As a matter of
interest, immediately following the 1974 World Cup tournament, Kuwait acquired
the services of World best soccer Coach, Brazilian Mario Zagallo who won the
World Cup for Brazil in 1970 as a Manager and in 1958 as a player with baby
Pele. Kuwait paid him monthly salary of $20,000/- with boarding and lodging
plus other perks.
Once in mid
eighties our Goan organizers of competitive soccer for Indians, at Kuwait Sour
Grounds, under the leadership of
renowned soccer administrator and International Umpire, J.P. D’Mello based in
Kuwait as FIFA’s representative,
approached the Kuwaiti Soccer administrator for requesting him to provide a ground
for our soccer. His Secretary encountering
us at the entrance, questioned thus: “SINU, HINDI? KOORA?” and laughed sarcastically. To interpret
his Arabic comment means, mockingly, “What? are Indians playing football?”
Yes, Indians are not only playing football but are also organizing Soccer World
Cup as witnessed in the World Cup under 17.
Besides gaining experience in hosting of
World Cup, Indian soccer team also gained the know–how of playing at
world level. Moreover, the infrastructure and other facilities created for this
World Cup will be a great asset to move further in promoting Indian soccer. These
are huge gains for India.
A.Veronica
Fernandes.
