Kolkata: Former India football captain Chuni Goswami feels that India can aim big and set higher targets for the development of the sport in the country through the upcoming U-17 World Cup.
India, which is hosting a FIFA event for the very first time have gained an automatic qualification to the tournament.
He said, “We have nothing to lose from here on. Yes, India maybe nowhere in world football at the moment but we can set our target now.”
The 79-year-old further added, “In two to three years time, about 80 to 90 per cent of these players will go on to graduate to the next level. Many will become future stars in world football.
“We have the opportunity to see the future Messis and Neymars. All the teams will send their best talents at this level.”
The Mohun Bagan legend also said that a qualification into the knock-out stages for the Indian U-17 team would do a world of good to Indian football as a whole.
He said, “India must make it count and do well. Quarterfinal may look unrealistic but it would be a great achievement if they make it to the knock-outs (last-16).”
Teams like USA, Ghana and Colombia, category are placed with India in Group A of the marquee FIFA competition.
The former Indian striker who had led India to the gold medal in the 1962 Asian Games was also pleased with the way the Salt Lake stadium has been improved and renovated. The iconic ground would host the final of the tournament scheduled to be played on October 28.
“Look at the Saltalke Stadium. The Under-17 World Cup has done wonders to the infrastructure. It’s the best in the country now and befitting that it’s hosting the grand final,” he said.
But Goswami didn’t look forward to visit the ground and said that he would watch the matches on the TV instead.
“I will rather watch on TV. I’m too old to go the stadium and watch a match,” he said.
India has already expressed eagerness for becoming the hosts of the U-20 World Cup to be held in 2019 but the veteran, who has represented Bengal across three sports-cricket, football and tennis said that it was more important to make sure that the base is strengthened and that the I-League, which has lost it’s sheen as compared to the Indian Super League, shouldn’t be overlooked.
He said, “If we strengthen the grassroot level, the future would be secured. Indian Super League has done a great job in popularising football.”
“But it mostly has ageing stars. I feel I-League is very important and there should be every move to make it more competitive,” he added.