The new AIFF has shown the cover, I am waiting for the book: Ranjit Bajaj

The senior women's team is now ranked 61 in the Fifa ranking list.

Ranjit Bajaj is waiting for the execution of plans and designs for the newly formed All India Football Federation (AIFF). The owner of Delhi FC, the Minerva Academy, and the former chairman of the advisory committee formed by the Committee of Administrators (COA) was one of the most vocal critics of the incumbent Praful Patel regime at AIFF. 

Bajaj who had a silent contribution to the making of the newly formed All India Football Federation (AIFF) through an election did not seem fully satisfied with the activities of the Kalyan Chowbe-led AIFF in the last six months. Bajaj uttered, "They have just made the cover of the book. I am waiting for the execution of their plans and roadmaps."

When asked about execution, Bajaj mentioned, "The AIFF has been working hard on the senior national team. But the top brass revealed they want the under-17 Indian team to earn eligibility to participate in the next under-17 World Cup on merit, both the boys and girls. But I have not yet seen any initiative which can show the preparation has started. The AIFF should concentrate on junior and sub-junior national teams. They should try to build up a quality under-13 national team and nurture them properly. Then you can expect these boys can earn eligibility in the under-17 World Cup after four years."

Bajaj also feels the federation should equally concentrate on the country's women's football. He explained, "The senior women's team is now ranked 61 in the Fifa ranking list. The women's team has more chances than the men's team to play in the World Cup in near future. But unfortunately except for the IWL and women's nationals, there is no other women's competitive football tournament. The federation people must make a budget for women's football and start nurturing from the grass route. Although a book should not be judged by its cover, I am waiting for the execution of its plans. If they turn around and do not move in the right way then the same old story will repeat." 

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.