AFC ask AIFF to identify two more states for Vision India project

Bangalore, Oct 30 (UNI) Besides Manipur and Delhi, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been asked to identify two more states for the introduction of Vision India project, AFC General Secretary Dato Peter Velappan said here today.

The Project is scheduled for introduction in Manipur with the kick off of Manipur State League from November 3 and Delhi will follow later.

Addressing a press conference, Velappan said the main purpose of the project was to attract and encouarage talented youth take up football in India.

Mr Velappan said the AIFF has been asked to conduct Football Festival for Boys under 12-13 age group and impart learning techniques so that they become qualified for Asian Youth Championship. These boys can also get qualified for FIFA Under-17 World Cup, he said.

Mr Vellappan was of the opinion that the quality of players in Asian countries was improving and it had been evident in this year's Asian Youth Cup which began simultenously in Kolkata and Bangalore yesterday.

''Technically the quality of players is now much better then last year. Associations are taking football seriously and doing their best to improve the quality of players,'' he added.

''Within next five to 10 years more countries in Asia will certainly be in a position to compete in the International arena with full confidence.'' Replying to a question, he said the inclusion of Australia into Asia has been a welcome move since it gave good opportunity for Asian players to play with European players.

''Australia is planning to attract soccer players from European countries. This would give chance for more exposure to Asian players to improve,'' he said.

He said AIFF has been asked to restructure its way of funding the clubs.

Velappan said AIFF may start conducting super league from next year to encourage football players in India.

''This is necessary and should be held soon since India cannot lose any more time in introducing professionalism into football,'' he added.

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