Indian footballer Sumit Rathi is hopeful that India can secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup within the next five years. Rathi emphasized the need for a shift in the country’s footballing approach towards grassroots development to achieve this goal. He cautioned that sticking to the current system could hinder progress for several decades.
Rathi pointed out that India, currently ranked 136th in the FIFA men’s rankings, faces challenges in maintaining consistency at the international level despite advancements in domestic football and increased investment in the sport. He stressed the importance of altering the mindset of administrators, clubs, and support staff to realize India’s football aspirations.
Highlighting the significance of grassroots football and player development, Rathi underlined that these areas should be the top priorities for India to compete effectively at the highest echelons of the sport. He urged for a strategic vision to nurture talented players across various positions to bolster the national team’s competitiveness.
Rathi suggested that Indian clubs, particularly in the Indian Super League, should place greater trust in domestic players for key roles instead of heavily relying on foreign talent. By providing more opportunities to local players, Rathi believes that India can enhance its representation on the global football stage. He emphasized the need for increased exposure to competitive matches to bridge the gap in skill levels.
Advocating for the inclusion of overseas Indian-origin players like Ryan Williams in the national team setup, Rathi proposed that such additions could expedite India’s progress significantly. He expressed confidence that with the right strategies and player selections, India’s footballing journey could witness accelerated growth.
