NEW DELHI (India): Germany’s Bundesliga has assured help to revive football’s lost glory in the India’s capital city, according to a Football Delhi press release.
Speaking at an e-summit organised by Football Delhi on Monday, Peer Naubert, the head of global marketing for Bundesliga international, said: “We can extend our expertise and support to football in the Capital City to assist the development of football.”
“By engaging with the local football fans, we will have the opportunity to increase the fan following of Bundesliga in Delhi. Clubs must have some social responsibilities to connect with the society. Top tier football must be connected with the local football.”
The state association has been trying to engage at every level of the football pyramid and its activities have increased 10-fold in the last 30 months.
Bundesliga’s promise, which comes at the back of the sports minister Kiren Rijiju’s pan-India scheme to scout talent, thus comes at an appropriate time
“It is vital to have a collaborative approach not only at the local level but at the national and global levels. This approach would bring the best out of our local clubs and then Delhi would lead by example,” Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran said.
Delhi once hosted Durand Cup and the DCM Trophy — India’s most prestigious tournaments.
Top corporates and journalists speaking at the e-summit wanted a “good product” that will attract the sponsors and the media.
Former general secretary of Confederation of African Football Hisham El Amrani suggested a “10-year strategic plan” to transform Delhi’s football.
“Government and state administrations need to step up to develop and Delhi must leverage its youth population to create a huge fan base,” said Amrani.
The head of FIFA’s women’s football competitions Sara Booth said India hosting the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in 2021 will play a significant role in boosting the game among girls.
Booth said Delhi will feel the “positive impact” of hosting a World Cup and lauded the state association’s collaborative effort with the national federation to improve infrastructure for women’s development.
