India: Why a country of 1.4 billion is not in the football World Cup
Summary
India, with a population of 1.4 billion, has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Experts say India has football talent but lacks strong youth programs and a long-term plan to develop the sport.Key Facts
- India’s men's national football team is called the Blue Tigers.
- India has never gone past the early rounds of World Cup qualifying in Asia.
- Football is very popular in parts of India like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa.
- Neighbor China also failed to qualify for the World Cup.
- FIFA has shown interest in India as a big market, sending teams to secure TV deals.
- India’s football hopeful Baichung Bhutia said the expanded World Cup size increases qualifying chances but requires hard work.
- Former player Shyam Thapa said parents often push children to cricket over football.
- Asian countries that qualified include Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
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