Where is our Messi? Why Indian football needs a Neeraj Chopra moment | Ranjit Bajaj
.png)
3 months ago
36
#indiansuperleague #indianfootball SUPPORT MINERVA ACADEMY AT MIC CUP 2026 — BUILDING INDIA’S NEXT FOOTBALL HISTORY. CLICK HERE TO POWER THE DREAM. https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-minerva-academy-football-club India has millions of football fans. By some accounts, it’s 138.7 million, according to Nielsen’s 2024 data. By other accounts, it’s 350 million. Whatever the real figure, the fact remains that a majority of Indians are not watching our domestic league, the Indian Super League (ISL). They are watching leagues thousands of miles away. While the rights to broadcast European tournaments in India are worth $40 million, the valuation of the broadcast rights for our domestic club tournament, the Indian Super League (ISL), dropped by 97 percent from last season. Why is there such a mismatch? To unpack this crisis of interest and investment, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri sat down with Ranjit Bajaj, the founder and owner of Minerva Punjab Football Club and a staunch advocate of grassroots football, for the second episode of Let's Talk About: Indian Football. Bajaj argues that the crisis in Indian football is a matter of quality and the talent ‘pipeline’. He believes Indian football is obsessed with the results of the senior team while ignoring the youth tiers that feed them. “You want to break into the top 8 in Asia,” Bajaj insists. “Are you in the top 8 at the Under-16 level? No? What about Under-19? Still no? Under-23? No again. Then how do you expect to make it in senior football!” He also describes a predatory, petty administrative culture in which funding is treated as a reward for existing success rather than a tool to create it. Bajaj also highlights the bitter irony of the Indian consumer, admitting that even he is susceptible to the pull of elite quality. He says, “There is a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Unfortunately, I'll be watching Barcelona vs Real Madrid and won't be watching my boys. Why?” Abhinandan observes that “One Messi puts Argentina on the map. One Ronaldo puts Portugal on the map.” Without a domestic hero of that calibre, Indian fans have no anchor at home. Bajaj remarks, “If we ever find an Indian with the calibre of Messi or Ronaldo, my work is done. I will retire that very day because my work is complete. He will take over the work; he will be inspiring others... If one of our own achieves it, our entire mindset changes. Then, we don't look back.” “Let me give you an example... Ten years ago, if you walked down the road with a javelin, the police would have locked you up. Today, there are ten Indians throwing over 80 meters, all because of Neeraj Chopra. One Indian declared, ‘I can do it,’” he adds. Indian football needs that same Neeraj Chopra moment. Help us meet our annual target by March 31: https://rzp.io/l/ba1to8acam Power our election coverage: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFT Unpack story behind bulldozers in Kashi: https://rzp.io/rzp/nl6yv82bk Join the #FightToBreathe: https://rzp.io/rzp/T4Ob0FCb Download the accessible Newslaundry app: https://www.newslaundry.com/download-app Join us on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va61PEo0QeacOqU9vr2k Follow and engage with us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/newslaundry Twitter: https://twitter.com/newslaundry Instagram: https://instagram.com/newslaundry
About Upilink News
The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens
Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.
Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.
The Need for Upilink News
In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.
Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.
Our Unique Approach
What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.
We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.
Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.
The Role of Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.
Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters
Free Access for AllAt Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.
Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism
To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.
By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.
Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability
In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.
In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.
Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.