Rathore cited the beautiful game’s rising popularity.
“Football’s popularity is rising in India. The number of people who turned up to watch FIFA U-17 World Cup was same as IPL matches. India hasn’t played in FIFA World Cup but we have potential. If potential is linked to opportunities, India will start playing in FIFA World Cup very soon. Be it football, or any other sports, India has tremendous potential,” Rathore said.
The minister was speaking at an inter-embassy football tournament, organised by the Russian Embassy.
Rathore said the training opportunities and support for the players are much better now and also urged schools to focus on promoting sports and not just academics.
He said in the next edition of Khelo India, the government will not only organise Under-17 Games but also Under -21 (College Games) events.
Asked which team he will support as a fan in the FIFA World Cup, Rathore said, “I see with what commitment and passion the players play. Sometimes it’s Brazil and sometimes it’s Argentina but I am biggest fan of India. We have to see when India plays at FIFA World Cup.”
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.