KNSS News June 2018

FIFA-World Cup 2018-Russia- and
about an "Indian Dream"
Anilkumar Janardanan,
T Dasarahalli
karayogam,Bangalore
The soccer fans from all over the world poured
in to Russia for the biggest soccer extravaganza
in the world- the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup
2018 after the 4 years long wait. In all, 32 nations
qualified to play for the FIFA-2018 glory (31
qualified and 1host country) . There will be tough
competition from all the teams in this edition
though some of the great teams like Italy, Holland,
Cameroon have failed to qualify.
The 2 new entrants this time are Iceland and
Panama. Hats off to both these countries with a
population of less than 3 lakhs for their excellence
in the game. The matches will be played at 12
venues spreading across Russia and the final is
scheduled for 15 th July 2018 in the capital city
Moscow.
The fading memory of the previous FIFA 2014
may be still haunting many of the Argentena fans
all over the world, after their team was beaten by
champions Germany in the finals by a solitary goal.
The best celebrated footballer Lionel Messi became
a mere spectator on the field unable to break the
German defence for an equaliser.
Now regarding Our” Team India”, we too had great
players and clubs. But still, in FIFA ranking we are
yet to sustain two digit mark instead of wavering
from the best 92 to 120 th place. We should have
consistent performance at international level to
break-in to the top 50 teams to have any chance of
qualifying. The sports ministry should sponsor our
team to play football at international level by which
we could get exposure to European/Latin American
style of the game to get close to 50 th rank by which
we could enter world level. The talented sports man/
women in Our country are more attractednaturally
to Cricket for the last 2 to 3 decades considering the
recognition, remunerations, contract amount, fame
..etc. The soccer is a game of speed/skill/tackling
the ball, outsmarting the opponent and of course
the stamina. Our Government could send promising
players for training to football academies in Europe
and South American countries to improve in the
game. The Government should come out with
attractive schemes to motivate youngsters. It will
be worth spending on overseas training for the
talented. Let us have our fingers crossed and be
optimistic. If there is a will, there is a way.
knSS news bulletin June 2018 39