Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
India’s Sports minister Kiren Rijiju, has assured the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that his Ministry “will provide extra financial help wherever it’s possible” to help Indian Football propel to the next level.
“We have seen certain improvements in our men’s as well as women’s football in recent times. From the sports ministry, we will provide extra financial help wherever it’s possible to scout, and nurture young talents as well as for the professional training, and other events,” Rijiju said in an interview to AIFF’s media cell.
The minister also didn’t hide his affinity towards football, and declared the Ministry of Sports will put more attention to “better training, coaching, facilities and other requirements.”
“The ministry of sports will provide whatever is required for better training, coaching, facilities, and other demands and requirements whichever will be placed by the AIFF. We’ll always be there. I’m very enthusiastic about supporting any kind of sport in India, and football is very special for me,” Rijiju added
The minister also praised the Indian Senior Women’s Team for their recent rise in the FIFA rankings which were released on 12th July.
“I must compliment the women’s team for rising to 57 in the FIFA Rankings recently. That’s a huge jump. I’m very confident that the standard of the women’s team will rise further”, he declared.
“Football is the biggest game in terms of popularity, reach, size. We also have to put a lot of effort to improve our football. Be it a village or a city, football is a game which can be played anywhere. I’m very hopeful that the standard of Indian Football will rise in the years to come.”
