[goldberg23684]

Think the most heartening performance was that of our juniors who did so well in the Ian Rush Cup last year. Think they defeated the junior squads of some good European Clubs.

But, I don't see any World Cup action. Maybe we will get stronger in the regional level.
The one thing that everyone does is blame the officials. I don't they can be blamed much.

Yes, these guys stay in the 5-star hotels and all but frankly where is the money and the sponsorship?

I mean..if tomorrow you are going to be the CEO of Marketing at a multi-national company would you consider football in India a good investment? I am sure the answer is No. Infact nothing is a good investment apart from INTERNATIONAL cricket.

Its just the fundamental attitude of the Indian people and the wonderful job that Dalmiya, ESPN and Star have done in marketing cricket has ensured it is the ONLY sport.

Even on ESPN-STAR quiz, I see all these kids answering every question about the european leagues and even identifying people like Joaquin Sanchez of Betis but ask them a simple question about Indian Women's Hockey they are stumped.

* I think the sad nature of Indian sport will be highlighted by one single fact:

The Indian Hockey team will be beating Australia at the OLYMPIC GAMES while the country will be glued to India playing Australia at some cricket tournament in Holland*

[kb]

i get a feeling that games like football etc have been programmed out of our genes...