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Top conglomerate to support football in India
NEW DELHI (AFP) - One of India's leading business conglomerates, Bharti Enterprises, inked a deal here on Friday aimed at boosting football in the cricket-crazy country.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of Bharti Enterprises, signed a memorandum of understanding with Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, legislator and chief of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The AIFF and Bharti will develop a comprehensive national football development programme and work towards setting up a world-class academy.
"In India, football has had a rich history. The football academy will build young talent by providing them with the best the world has to offer," Dasmunsi told reporters.
Mittal said the company would also look at partnering leading international football institutions such as Manchester United in its aim to develop football in India.
"Football is the world's most popular sport. It unites the world. Our vision is to develop a rich football and sporting culture in India," Mittal said.
The proposed Bharti-AIFF academy will be designed along the lines of club academies in Western Europe and will be a residential-cum-educational set-up.
It will select and nurture talent in different age groups with the help of experts from around the world and aims to provide the latest training techniques to youngsters.
India is ranked 143rd in international football, with none of its players enjoying iconic status.
National captain Bhaichung Bhutia is well-known, having played in the past for Bury Football Club in England's League Two.
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