Soccer fever hits Delhi, street clubs seek to promote game

New Delhi, June 10 (ANI): Soccer fever has hit New Delhi, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa as evident from football clubs playing the game with more gusto.

These clubs also wish the game is given utmost promotion.

One such team is Delhi Street Football Club where the members enjoy playing a brisk game, watched by crowd of both men and women of all ages.

The players as well as the fans felt the sports-minded persons in the country need to follow the game with the same interest shown towards cricket.

"The Sports Ministry, if it starts funding, making proper training grounds, improves the level of the clubs here, then, obviously we'll have better teams and India will be in the World Cup," said Tushar Bedi, a player of Delhi Street Football Club.

He also said that there is ample fan following for the game and all it needs is a better promotion among the masses as well as the classes.

"Basically, what we are trying to do is promote football, at like a lower level, so that, people in the city are able to play football," said Ankur Chauhan, a football fan.

FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010 in South Africa.

South Africa expects about 370,000 foreign visitors during the event, lower than initial estimates of 450,000. (ANI)