Indian football can progress with normal steps

As the parent body for the governance of football in the country, the All India Football Federation has taken a variety of measures for its development. India currently has the right to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup and preparations have begun in full swing for it. The senior national team has performed quite well in the international competitions and also won the SAFF championship by defeating Afghanistan in the final. 

As the AIFF President  Praful Patel has always remained focused upon developing the game from a grassroot level in the country.  As per the version of Sunil Chettri, the leading international goalscorer from the country “"You look at foreign clubs and you wonder what they do differently. What is it about them that makes them so special? 

Well, I've played for a foreign club, Sporting Club de Portugal (in 2012-13), and I can say that they don't do anything special. They just do normal, everyday things in a disciplined way," said Chhetri, who was in the city for the launch of a nation-wide talent hunt programme to pick 15 youngsters in the 8-14 age group. The youngsters will be provided with top-class coaching and technical expertise by Sporting Clube de Portugal for five years and will be put up at a school in Kolhapur.

 "You have to take care of your nutrition from the start and do the right kind of exercises. Kids in India eat whatever is cooked for the elders.

 What parents must understand is that if the kid is training, he needs a special diet. The child needs a set regimen.

"In Portugal, kids as young as eight and nine know what they are supposed to eat, and when. They knew what exercises to do before and after practice. They have a set timetable. They do everyday things with sincerity. More importantly, they stay faithful to that regimen. Also, they train throughout the week and play matches in the weekend. That's what I mean when I say normal. That's the real reason why they are so successful."

When I joined Sporting, I was 26. All the others out there were 18-19. And they were simply amazing. Their skill set and knowledge of the game was astounding. These players were scouted at the age of 10 or 11. So, by the time they are 18, they are mature football players. And that's what our country needs right now,"

Under the Praful Patel constituency, players like Sunil Chettri have been given the right exposure and the opportunity to develop themselves. 

Author Bio: As the AIFF President  Praful Patel has always remained focused upon developing the game from a grassroot level in the country.  Under the Praful Patel constituency, players like Sunil Chettri have been given the right exposure and the opportunity to develop themselves.