WHY CAN’T INDIA PRODUCE 11 QUALITY FOOTBALLERS?

 

The world was left in shock when Iceland, a country with population of 3.57 lakh people drew against Messi led Argentina in 2018 FIFA world cup. They had earlier defeated England in 2016 Euros. So a collective question arose among Indians that why can’t a country with 136 crore people produce a quality football squad?

Let’s take a look at some areas which are important for any sports to grow.

·        India’s Former Captain Baichung Bhutia has repeatedly said that the first step to achieve heights in football for India is to grow the culture of football which I believe is a work in progress since there is a huge growth of interest among youth. Indians love watching football but unfortunately not Indian football and the other factor is  large portion of these football fans are wealthy urban youths .Though their interest has resulted in live airing of English premier leagues and many more, but India’s core sports players come from rather lower middle or middle class which still prefers cricket or Individual games. Taking a look at India’s demographics football is still not popular in the Hindi heartland and the majority of players come from the north east and southern parts of India.

·        India does not have a good sporting Infrastructure but countries like
Brazil, Peru, Chile or African nations have similar or worst condition then India. But they still produce global stars and compete at World Cup. It is more about creating a culture and tapping talents at young age rather than infrastructure. I believe schools can play a major role in this scenario but they are least interested about sports which is an unfortunate reality.

 ·        India’s Under performance in team sports – Try to remember India’s best sports stars, you will find that 90% of those are players competing in individual sports. Some of you may argue that India had a great hockey team, but hockey 20^th  Century was dependent on magical dribblers and we were supreme in that period but our dominance faded when hockey became passing-oriented.

Talking about cricket it is a partial team sports meaning every ball is independent event played between the batsman and the bowler( You can add fielder and non striker etc)

Sports like football or volleyball are different then cricket. Full teams from both sides are always involved making individual brilliance less important and more team oriented.

The reason for India’s Under performance can be India’s lack of discipline and improper system and our authorities need to analyse this issues to take giant step forward as sporting giants. 

                                                                 

                                                Rugved Makarand Joshi

 

The Sports league plays huge role for a particular sport as it brings in attention of crowd and the Market but I will talk about our football league in a separate blog.

Indian sports needs a persistent System

                                                                                                          RUGVED JOSHI

         

India who is considered as a sleeping giant in sports by the world does so poorly in the games. Just imagine a country with population 1.3 billion people with return of just 1 Gold medal since 1980. To put India’s performance in context Michael Phelps from USA has won same number of medals as team India has since 1900 Games .The only positives are 8 Gold medals won in field hockey during (1928-1980).

So, what can be the problems of India’s poor showing in Sports.

·         Genetic Superiority –

 India being a diverse nation boasts with Limbs and muscles of all sizes, so race and genetics cannot be a arguable reasons for India’s poor showing.

·         High poverty Level and poor Infrastructure –

Well Infrastructure can be an essential Reason but we need to study the fact that countries from African and south American continents  which have poor economy and lower per capita than India still manage to  perform way better than us.’

·         SYSTEM – Our players in terms of hard work leave no stone unturned but they are not properly channelized in a proper way.

I hope you remember Srinivas Gowda who came into News for being faster than Usain Bolt, although he was a buffalo racer and we still thought that we had found a star who could make his mark in Athletics. The problem is we have to stop expecting such ready made products. We need to create champions through a proper system. Till today athletes who have achieved success internationally are exceptions rather than the product of countries sports system.

So, the Question is what is wrong in our system that after spending loads of money on sports schemes we are getting so less in return –

1.       Political involvement - People argue that political leaders bring in more money to the game, but the problem is all they care about is their own stature and position rather than benefit of the sportsperson. Today over 50 percent President post in  sports associations are headed by a Politician.

Some of them are not even keen enough to know the sports. Also, in our country Sports Federations are not held accountable for poor results.

2.       Professional league – As we saw in cricket IPL brought a revolution in Indian Cricket and produced great talents like Bumrah, Pandya or Rishab pant. This Raw talents got the perfect exposure and the right guidance to become world’s best. Similarly , Kabbadi has got a new recognization in India due to pro kabbadi league and its popularity has increased in the rural parts as well. But, interestingly other leagues didn’t receive the same fame and flopped such as wrestling league, badminton league or others. The ISL for football has brought a positive effect for Indian football but I expect a lot more from the football federation and consider it as a par success. Hockey too is doing okay and has lot of scope to improve.

So, the irony is the only 2 leagues that are doing well in India are Non-olympic sports.

3.       Lack of reach – We still have not reached the grassroot level were there may be numerous of Milkha Singh’s all we need to do is identify them, give them the best infrastructure, perfect exposure and international experience to reach their potential.

 Amir Khan beautifully describes  in his movie Dangal about Champions.

He says that  Champions are not produced by magic, we need to nurture them, train hard and shape them as a potter shapes pots out of clay.

Likely impact of Covid-19 on future sporting year

A month or more of staying inside our homes with many limitations around, No sporting actions to follow, no live scores to check , no adrenaline surge in anticipation of much awaited matches, No midnight Football games, no topic to fight with friends like sports experts.

Its been a world without any sports and with strict lockdowns in almost all the countries its hard time for a sportsperson .They are not used to being indoors, deprived from training and no competitions to focus on. Dealing with long term impact of Covid-19 is even a bigger challenge.

The Vaccination or cure of this virus has some time from now but many federations are discussing about resuming the sporting season in couple of months from now. So, let’s take a look at what challenges this sports will face.I believe different sports will face different consequences.

·       Individual sports such as golf , shooting and athletics will have the least impact while sports like Gymnastics need to follow precautions as the same apparatus are touched by the Gymnast and they should sanitize before and after that routine. Whether the Grip of gymnast will be affected during the routine is yet to be known.

• ·       Team sports such as cricket and football have more threat because a team cannot play without practicing together. A group of 15s and 20s is dangerous so practice needs to start with a group of 3.
  

Indian Pacer Bhuvanshwar Kumar said that fast bowlers will fear to use saliva to shine the bowl which is necessary to swing the bowl.

Regarding Basketball which is highly physical sports is unlikely to began anytime soon as USA is the worst hit country by this pandemic, while  many football federations such as Spanish league and English league are thinking of resuming the season in month of June behind close doors.

·       But what if you are a wrestler or a boxer where the physical contact is unavoidable. Wrestlers even need spare partners to train with and so these sports will be the last to resume.

Talking about international star sportsperson they are fearful and unsure about the near future. Star Spaniard Rafa nadal says he is pessimist about him returning to competitions since the players need to constantly travel, stay in different hotels. Even if the matches are played behind closed doors you need lots of people involved organizing such tournaments.

So right now all we can do is wait and watch regarding resumption of our favorite sports  and hope this dark clouds raised due to the Pandemic go away soon and we Sports lovers can once again experience the thrilling encounters and enjoy the game.

                                                                  RUGVED JOSHI

Conflict Between Japan and international Olympic committee over who pays for postponement

An Open  Conflict broke out between the Tokyo Olympics organizers and IOC over who will pay for the year long postponement. Media reports in japan have estimated that the postponement of Olympics will cost Japan 2 billion dollars to 6 billion dollars. Although neither side has given a official number the cost is going to be massive.

Context -

Tokyo Committee's spokesperson said that organizing committee has asked the IOC to remove a comment stating that Prime Minister of Japan will shoulder most of the postponement costs. He said it's not appropriate for Prime Minister's name to be quoted in this manner. Abe's Spokesperson said that there is no such agreement related to additional cost originated  from the postponement.


Conclusion -

 Despite the conflict there is not much to debate about who will pay , It has to be the Japanese side,Also they have stronger resources and a strong 5 trillion dollar GDP but its a sensitive matter particularly for the Abe Government during an economic downtown due to the ongoing Pandemic.
Japan is officially spending 12.6 billion dollars to organize the Olympics, but Government Audit report says it's at least twice that much.And the worst part is it's all Japanese public money except for 5.6 billion dollars which came from a privately funded organizing committee budget.


Lastly under the terms of host city Contract the Japanese committee and local organizers are obligated to pay most of the costs of the Tokyo Games. But we have to accept the fact that it is really harsh on the Japanese Government who on one hand have to fight against this ongoing Covid- 19 Pandemic and on the other hand cover for the losses due to postponement of Olympic Games.  

                                                                                    Rugved Joshi

Traditional Styles of Major Footballing Nations

 Watching football is my hobby and I love analyzing the style of play, formations, and strategies of teams. I noticed that each team has its own way to play football. Since, the first world cup in Uruguay, football has evolved but somehow the core idea of a particular team has been nearly similar.

So let’s take a look of footballing styles of some famous footballing nations.

1.    Germany, Spain , Netherlands , France , Belgium- This are the core European playing teams who have somewhat similar style of playing football. These teams rely on their strong creative midfield. Generally passing is short but defenders tend to supply long balls skipping the midfield to the strikers. Strikers are particularly great headers of the ball since the fullbacks are offensive minded and to provide crosses into the box. France is more of a defensive minded team and the defensive midfielder has a huge role to play. But, the rest of these teams love to keep possession of ball. They improvise but never brake the formation.

  

Suitable formation – 4:1:2:3

 2.    Italy, Uruguay – very different to the core European style, usually rock solid in defence and hard to break, physically strong but less creative midfielders and strong and agile strikers. These teams rely on counter attacks and set pieces for scoring.  No improvising but solid formation and keep there forms.

Suitable formation- 4:5:1 / 4:4:2

3.   Argentina, Colombia, Chile – 

Almost try to Copy the core European style but with a slight change. These Latin 
American teams play with an extra Attacking minded midfielder who is allowed to roam around the pitch without restriction. ( For Ex. Maradona for Argentina, James Rodriguez for Colombia). This player plays an important role in connecting the midfield with attackers. 

There style helps them against South American  teams /asian teams but they struggle against European teams due to lack of depth and quality.

Suitable formation – 4:2:1:3

4.     Brazil – They have a complete different view of playing football. It’s about individual brilliances and showcasing there flair enjoying the game. They see football not as a profession but an emotion. They struggle against counter attacking team and are prone against set pieces.  There style is attractive for fans but no major world title since 2002 tells us that they have to bring some kind of discipline to their game.

Suitable formation – 4:3:2:1

Conclusion –

 After brazil winning 2002 world cup,  European teams have won every edition since then this evidently suggest that the professionalism and discipline shown by those European team are clearly giving an advantage to them over South American teams. But teams like brazil, cannot lose their flair completely and need to find a perfect balance to dominate the world football again.

                                                 

                             Rugved Joshi

    

Olympic postponment and uncertainty ahead

After weeks of uncertainty amid    coronavirus pandemic the President of Japan , Shinjo Abe declared the postponment of Olympics after series of meetings with local organisation committee and international Olympic committee led by Thomas Bach.

   It is really a big deal that worlds largest sports event with thousands of top athletes is postponed.
The new dates of the games are yet to be decided but with current situation it seems a one year longing seems realistic.The Olympics commitee are considering July 2021 as the new dates for the game.
This turns out to be first such delay in 124 years of modern Olympics since the 1940 and 1944 games were cancelled due to world war 2.
    The Coronavirus pandemic has already forced the postponments and cancellation of hundreds of major tournaments and sporting events including suspension for NBA,NHL and postponment of major football competition such as Euro 2020 and Copa America 2020.


What's Next

Economic View

Japan said that putting the games off would put its 12 billion dollar investment in risk. While they are yet to figure the loss due to postponment of the games.
The Bank of Japan estimated 33 million visitors were set to visit Tokyo in 2020 and aggregate construction investment associated with the Olympic Games will amount to a total of 10 trillion yen (about 92 billion dollars).

Name of the Games

 President of Olympics commitee Thomas Bach declared that name of the games will remain Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics 2020. This move comes just to reduce the economic loss as Japan has already marketed and advertised it's games with the old dates.

What about Athletes

The athletes who had already qualified for the games before have been automatically qualified for the games next year also the aspirant athlete will have same no.of chances to qualify for games they had before the covid 19 outbreak.

Conclusion -

To be fair the decision was obvious since conducting the games in such uncertain situation was not an option.
Now that the decision is official the players will go back to drawing boards and can plan for there approach towards games next year.

This summer was supposed to be a culmination of hard work and life's dream, but taking a step back from competition to care for our countries  and each other is the right thing to do. Athletes moment will wait until we can gather again safely. Hope this pandemic ends and sports lovers like me will get to watch those sporting actions we are desperately waiting for.

Rugved Joshi 

Predicting the Round of 16 matchups.

The round of 16 matches for this year's Champions League has been decided. There are some great matchups to look forward to.There were heartbreakes for Inter milan and Ajax who failed to reach the next round.It is really interesting that only the teams from top 5 league in Europe have qualified for knockout stages.

The matches are played in 2 legs one leg at home and another away. Team first  playing at home have a slight disadvantage.
So that factor is also considered.The team with more goals wins but the scores are level even after 2 legs the team with more away goals wins.but even away goals are equal then the match heads into extra time and then penalties. The  leg is scheduled in Mid February while the second leg takes place in March.
.So, let's predict the results of the Round of 16 draw with considering all important factors....


Match 1
Dortmund (Germany)vs Paris Saint Germain (France)

I think Psg will be okay with this draw , Dortmund is the perfect type of team PSG likes as an opposition. It is a great opportunity for them to move into quarter finals.They certainly have to show character to prove they are ready for champions league. Dortmund have huge problems to cover - a weaker midfield, Injury to Star players and dealing with the speed of Mbappe.For psg the onus will be on how do they find perfect midfield combination and impact of Neymar Jr.
Players to watch out - Jason Sancho,Julian brandt (Dortmund)

Neymar Jr , Kylain Mbappe (PSG)

My Prediction - Psg to win with strong performances in both legs.

Match 2
Atletico Madrid (Spain) vs Liverpool (England)

This might be a nightmare for atletico Madrid since they are in huge goal crisis.They have scored just 18 goals in last 17 games which is a worry against Free flowing Liverpool squad.For Liverpool the only worry is the dip in form for Firmino. But, with attacking quality of Mane and Salah and defensive trident - Arnold,Van dijk and Robertson Liverpool are firm favorites for this clash.
Players to watch - Jao Felix ,Jan oblak(atletico).
Sadio Mane , mo Salah (Liverpool)
Prediction - Liverpool to win courtesy strong second leg display.

Match 3
Atlanta(Italy) vs Valencia (Spain)

The 2 surprise packages who qualified for knockouts are face to face.They both will take this draw any day as both the teams are balanced on paper and it will be exciting end to end stuff. Valencia in particular like going forward and they have some experienced campaigners in the squad while Atlanta will hope there fairy tale run continues in champions league.
Player to watch out - Zapata,Fernando muriel (Atalanta)
Rodrigo, Dennis cheryshev (Valencia)
Prediction - Valencia progresses with there expirence.

Match 4
Tottenham Hotspur vs RB lepzig

A match between 2 great attacking sides this will be a great game to watch for neutrals. Tottenham have improved a bit under Mourinho but it's still work in progress the form of dele Alli is encouraging ,on the other hand Timo Werner is having a goal feast.The problems for both the team is same defensive lapses and the tie will be decided by the team which manages to limit the defensive errors.

Players to watch - Hyeun Son, Harry kane( Tottenham)
 Timo Werner, Forseberg (Rb lepzig)

Prediction - Rb lepzig to go through just because of having advantage to play second leg at home.


Match 5
Chelsea vs Bayern Munich

The repeat of 2012 UCL final ,is another great contest. Although, both teams are struggling in there domestic leagues. Chelsea's back four is huge problem for lampard while the lack of intensity is causing Bayern trouble in bundesliga, although Lewandoski and Coutinho are in great run of form. The game at Stamford bridge will be key as Chelsea are struggling away from home.

Key player - Tammy Abraham , ngolo kante(Chelsea)
Lewandoski , kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Prediction - Bayern will be too strong for Chelsea

Match 6
 Lyon (France) vs Juventus (Italy)

On paper the most one sided affair in the knockouts. Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus are far more superior than the French side. Lyon's only hope will Memphis Dempay is already out for 6 months so it is highly unlikely to see them go through. Juventus will hope to showcase strong performance to carry that form further into the competition.

Key players - Ronaldo ,Dybala ( Juventus)
Moussa Dembele ,Traore( Lyon)

Prediction - Juventus to win both legs..

Match 7
Napoli vs Barcelona

If any team has the pressure to win the UCL this year it is Leo Messi and Barcelona. Matchup against Napoli is a good one. Napoli is struggling in Seria A and sacked Anchelotti. Barca on the other hand are not finding there feet. Leo Messi is shinning bright while ter stegen has saved barca's blushes multiple times this season.Suarez has shine promise but his wastefulness in final third is a worry. Barcelona's midfield has to click soon if they have to progress any further in the UCL. Napoli's attacking threat of lozano,insinge and mertens can cause  Barca problems at the back.

Players to watch - Leo Messi , Ter stegen(Barcelona)

Kolido koulibaly, Mertens (Napoli)

Prediction - With second leg at home Barca will go through

Match 8
Real Madrid vs Manchester City

This is surely the match of the Round. Pep's attacking City vs Zidane's ever motivated Real. Real Madrid after poor start to season have found there rhythm back and there display at El classico surely shows they are prepared for Manchester City.Benzema is in red hot form while Eden hazard will be back for real till January. City after some lapses in EPL are getting dangerous as well.Kevin de bruyne ,Sterling and dominating midfield is there strength.Pep will surely hope to go through against Madrid as champions league glory is the only cup to fill for Pep's Manchester City. A thrilling contest is surely on the cards.

Key players - Karim benzema ,Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Kevin de bruyne and Riyadh mahrez

Prediction - It is extremely tough call but I give it to Manchester City just because of the advantage of second leg at home.


                                                    -  Rugved Joshi.
                   
Let's see how many of this do I get right and I would Really like to know Your opinion and predictions as well. 🙂😊