Young players should be trained to make a mark in absence of seniors

A two and a half month preparatory camp has been organised in Bangalore for the India under-23 team. The purpose of this camp is to focus on achieving success in the upcoming Incheon Games which has been scheduled for September in South Korea. India’s coach Wim Koevermans’ side is expected to go for a Europe and Far East Tour in the month of August. On the other hand, the Blue Tigers are expected to play the Pakistan under – 23 in Bengaluru on the 17th and 20th of the next month, in what is seen as a friendly bi-lateral series.

The positive factor is to engage this team for the two and a half months. The authorities are also targeting to build up a strong team work and a fitness regime for the players. This will in turn boost the style and the manner which they want to adopt, as stated by Koevermans in the official website of All India Football Federation (AIFF). As the Indian team for the Asian Games consists of under – 23 players except for the senior players like Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Francis Fernandes, the coach is stressing the importance of the camp for the players.

It has been further stressed that these camping to be designed with the same facilities as that of the senior players. As the senior coach further stressed that this would be an interesting opportunity both for the players and the coach to learn new techniques and how they perform. This will also be a good ground for the deserving players to get chance in the national team. The authorities are also endeavouring to organise exposure tours to abroad in the form of big events. As he emphasised, “The boys need to play against different styles, learn about strong opposition and build on from there.”

AIFF President Praful Patel is motivating the organisation to introduce the best practices in the football teams which will be able to produce crème of players representing India on a global landscape. With Praful Patel Contributions in the sport, AIFF is taking giant strides with the upcoming international events which are going to give Indian Football a magnificent exposure in the world.