The announcement of the second edition of the IT Futsal Festival, to be held at the Salt Lake City in Kolkata, is a step to further the popularity of the sport in the country.
Amidst all the reasons, suggestions and factors that critics and pundits cite alike to improve the status of football in India, and improve the national team’s world ranking, development of futsal and indoor football attains significant importance.
Futsal, the 5-a-side sister of football, can be promoted effectively in the country, and hence, indirectly affect the status of football in India.
1. No Need for major Infrastructure:
A futsal pitch has dimensions of approximately 40m by 22m. This is about a third of a football field. the goalposts, too are smaller in size. There is no need for maintenance of grass, futsal can be played on a hard court (generally wood). Tournaments can be held at moderate costs, and this will only attract more teams to participate.
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2. Improved Skills:
Futsal, being played on smaller area, requires more skills than football. To weave your way in and out of defenses, and to score, the player not only needs excellent vision, but also great focus and quick feet. Frequent displays of juggling and other skills can only help improve the popularity of the sport and the fan base.
3. Shorter Version:
If a 20-over version can take the cricket world by storm, then why not a 40-minute version of miniature football? With brand sponsoring, professional teams, and youth development, no doubt this version has the capability to turn a nation’s head.
4. Higher Approachability:
Several pundits bemoan the lack of teams from India’s big cities in premier football tournaments. However, in futsal tourneys, more and more teams can participate from not only big cities, but all over the country as well. All it requires is 8 players to form a team. If tiers can be formed, such as 2-tier teams, 1-tier and premier teams, no doubt young players will be motivated enough to try out for the league.
5. Easier to Back:
Considering that sports isn’t high on an Indian student’s career priorities, an informal sport will go a long way in changing the trend. Like gully-cricket, futsal is a sport that can be introduced at the grassroot level.
The above sentiments and opinions are purely those of the author’s. Any comments and discussions are more than welcome. The article was only written in the aim to promote football in India, with the help of futsal. Inspiration has been taken from the gully-cricket and the street-football scenarios of india and Brazil respectively.
