The Hindu : Sport / Football : A big opportunity for youngsters

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007
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A big opportunity for youngsters

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: There is hope for Indian football if the exploits of the under-15 boys on the international stage is anything to go by. India’s representation in the Manchester United Premier Cup tournament began only two years ago but, at least in the Asian zone, their performance has been exemplary.

In 2005, the Mohun Bagan youngsters, the India winner, went on to win the title in South Asia, to get a slot in the main tournament which was organised by Manchester United in England but finished last among the 20 entries. Last year, the East Bengal junior squad did well in Singapore and finished 18th in the main tournament. There is expectation that the India champion this time may do even better.

Briefing newsmen on Monday, Sukhvinder Singh of the sports marketing section of Nike, which has taken the initiative in a tie up with the AIFF, said the fact that “there were 32 contestants from the four zones fighting for India’s slot in South East Asia,” was a good augury.

The tournament will be conducted in three phases. The first phase in — Chennai from November 28 to December one — comprises competition among 16 teams from the South and West zones. The second phase is the competition involving the 16 North and East zone teams in Chandigarh from December 12 to 16.

Each centre will have its own final. The eight semifinalists from the two venues will converge in Goa for the all India final to be held from January 16 to 20. The winner there will proceed to MUPC South East Asia finals, for which the venue and date are yet to be finalised.

In Chennai, the 16 teams — all Academy sides — have been placed in four groups. The group league will be followed by the semifinals.

The TFA President, C.R. Visswanathan expressed hope that the tournament would see more academies in the city and the state to vie for a place next time.

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