With world stars arriving at India’s doorstep in 2017, we asked a few footie fans about what they think of this mega event coming to our country…
On an unforgettable day for India and Indian football fans, the country won its bid to host the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup. The decision was taken at the FIFA executive committee meeting held on Dec 4-5 in Brazil. India won the hosting rights ahead of Ireland, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts South Africa. With world stars arriving at India’s doorstep in 2017, we asked a few footie fans about what they think of this mega event coming to our country…
A great opportunity for the country on a world stage. I wish they can do justice to the opportunity but given the fact that they fluffed the Commonwealth games in the past it seems highly unlikely that we pull out a world class event. Being an Indian I wish they do though – Praneet Salian – Account Supervisor, Contract Advertising, 25
Well, they can if give their best. Keeping in mind CWG scam, we would definitely want it to be scam free and keep grazing animals away from the venue. Also, it’s a big challenge as far as infrastructure is concerned. – Shrishti Singh, Content Writer, 24
I’m quite skeptical about it. We goofed up with the CWG, hell, we couldn’t even get the Eden Garden ready on time, inspite of cricket being our primary sport. So, that hardly leaves any hope for a sport like football which is not so popular in India. Fingers crossed, though – Arjun Swami, Web Producer, 24
I think India has had a good learning experience with hosting F1 and other cricket events (IPL), so I think this should be fine – Aditya Shanker, Software Engineer, 24
They can’t because the Commonwealth games fiasco still rings in the minds of the people. It would be a disgrace to host it when we treat our football players so atrociously and the rest of our sport people even worse- Richard Fernandes, Writer, 24
Maybe we can host it but need to be careful and avoid scams like what happened at CWG. There may be high chances of another scam coming up – Needa Shaikh, Producer, 25
Just like the sport though being slow but gaining popularity steadily in many parts of the country, so has the presence of AstroTurf. This brings to me the point that in reality there is no lack of infrastructure in our country, since we have an optimum amount of time at our hands. This infrastructure can be polished. And by polished I don’t mean just the grounds or stadiums or areas surrounding the stadiums. They should work on providing better transport to the match venues,better lodging and food facilities etc. These areas of infrastructure should be worked upon because we will be catering to not just foreign fans but also game officials from various countries, club owner, young talents and scouts – Suraj Kannan, Freelance writer, 25
As a football fan I should be thrilled to hear the news and to be honest, I am. But at the same time am a bit skeptical about us (India) hosting a global event of this big fervour. I am afraid that politicians and governing bodies might turn it into a money making business and indulge in wrong doings, thereby creating a mocking scene for Indian Football. I hope that I am proved wrong and the event will be a huge success and that India will make its presence felt in the world of football – Chetan Warrier, Copywriter, 24
