How can Blackburn Rovers' new Indian ownership help our country's footballing stocks? Here's what the sport's fraternity feels...
How can Blackburn Rovers' new Indian ownership help our country's footballing stocks? Here's what the sport's fraternity feels...Baichung Bhutia, India captain-It is a business venture for them. I don't think it will help football in India on the whole. We need to start working at the grassroot level; we need to attract youth. If there is a talented player, Venky's must send him to train in England.
Abhishek Yadav, India striker-The important thing is to pick it up from here. Just taking a youngster to Blackburn won't help. Giving him the right training will. We've had many players go and play in Europe, but that doesn't make them better players.
Syed Nayeemuddin, former coach-They (Rovers) need to do what Barcelona did with Lionel Messi ufffd rope in players at a young age, take care of them and their families. They need to work towards the development of the sport in India. Our youngsters are not even given a proper diet.
IM Vijayan, former captain-It's a very good initiative, but I doubt things will change at the grassroot level. We must ensure Blackburn stars spend their off-season in India. There's a lot of talent here that is capable of playing in Europe.
Deepak Mondal, India player-Sunil Chhetri is playing for Kansas Wizards (in the US) and I hope more players can follow his lead. The All India
Football Federation and Blackburn Rovers should work together.
Syed Nayeemuddin, former coach-They (Rovers) need to do what Barcelona did with Lionel Messi ufffd rope in players at a young age, take care of them and their families. They need to work towards the development of the sport in India. Our youngsters are not even given a proper diet.
Subrata Paul, India 'keeper-I have only one message to Venky's: Please start an academy and ensure that the India players get the same facilities as the Blackburn Rovers players. The focus should be on the youngsters. They need proper guidance.
