When will India play beautiful?

There have been so many stories of great football, skillful goals and heroic exploits throughout the years. Today, football has scaled massive heights, not only is it the world’s favourite game, but in a few places, it rides a close second behind one’s religion.

Most of the teams have played their first match in the World Cup and like I predicted a while ago, this is one tournament that is spread wide open. I was surprised to see teams like Netherlands, Sweden and Portugal struggle against smaller opponents; but then again, the first match is always nervy. So far, India hasn’t stood a chance, we haven’t gotten anywhere near the World Cup, except once, 40-odd years ago and even then, we didn’t play.

I happened to chance upon the new Indian football jerseys on the Nike website and they look glorious — classic blue and white! But what’s the use of looking good and not playing well? I’m sure that quite a few officials will have already headed into Germany to catch a few matches. Why not send the players? New Zealand played against Brazil during their practice matches and they’re ranked lower than us in FIFA rankings.

I understand that cricket’s the bigger game and that’s where all the money’s going, but what of the other sports. Yes, there are reports of Sepp Blatter taking interest in Indian football and coming down here soon to set up a few youth programs. Now, while that’s great news, do we really have to wait for him to come down before we realise that we have the talent but not the platform? Or have we already realised that and are just sitting around twiddling our thumbs and waiting for foreign aid. Why should we put our money into it when FIFA might just give us some of their small change? That’s not great attitude! We have the money, but not the proper people in place to take football out there and make it big.

West Bengal, Kerala and Goa, are three of the biggest states that have great football teams, with Maharashtra not that far behind. There are also some really good players from the North-East, proving where the talent pools are. When I grew up in Mumbai, in school and even after that, it was always football and hockey. We played our hearts out, a few of my friends even represented Maharashtra in the Nationals…but there was no future then. Or at least, that’s what we were told. Maybe the future was bleak then, but it certainly isn’t now. Today, kids have more exposure to the different leagues around the world. Every weekend, we have the Premier League, La Liga and more on our TV screens. The FIFA games also teach people about strategy and so on. It’s all there, the aids that help people learn. Now, they need to showcase their talents. Is there even one decent youth program anywhere in India? Perhaps it’s time to start one.

We all support teams like, Brazil, Portugal, France and Spain but wouldn’t it be nice to see India there, even if they don’t play that well at first and struggle to make it? I’m not being pessimistic but I have seen how hard it is for the newcomers at the finals. We all love the game and I personally would love to see my country up there. I want to cheer for them, to see a goal scored and to wear the jersey with pride.

Until then of course, I guess I’m going to have to be content with the rest of the world playing the beautiful game. In the words of Eric Cantona, “Joga Bonito!”

June 14, Gomantak Times, Goa

Seeing the light, in every drop of rain!

I’ve fallen in love, with Goa, all over again. The monsoon is finally here and at long last, I can see it rain for miles on end. The other day, I was sitting at a friend’s place and staring out of the window, watching the rain fall off the branches of the trees close by. It’s such a beautiful sight. Even when I lived in Mumbai, the only time I enjoyed the monsoon was when I hopped onto a train and came here. The smell of wet mud just smells so much better here than in the big city.

Falling in love is not an easy thing. One minute you’re doing what you normally do, the next thing you know, you’re catapulted into a vortex of colour and sound — A kaleidoscope of emotions. Then again, that’s not what I feel about Goa. I would reserve that for a certain someone, wherever she may be. At this time, I’m more inclined towards being footloose and fancy free in the rain.

Goa never felt so good. I would often extoll the virtues of spending a few days here in the rain, to everyone who would want to do something different. I would long for the chance to come here, book a room in a resort on the beach and sit there reading, sipping on something warm or watching a good movie. Experience a different Goa. I can do that now, but then again, I have a day job. Not such a good idea now, especially since after this little piece, my boss is not going to believe me if I call in sick.

Even now, I dream of heading to the beach and walking barefoot in the rain, feeling the wet sand crunch beneath my toes. Standing on an empty shore, the waves crashing down with immense ferocity. In some ways, I’m a child of the wild. Like those people who love to be amongst nature and beautiful things. About two years ago, a few friends and me went out for a holiday. Somewhere between Mumbai and Goa, it was in the middle of two hills and by a beach and we spent two beautiful days there. I remember getting up in the early morning and walking up a hill and just sitting there, taking in the sights. We had so much fun, just squatting on a rocky outcropping and eating lunch, or playing cards in the late evening until dinner. It was a pretty peaceful but short holiday. My only regret was that we didn’t have more time or else we would have just driven down to Goa and had more fun here.

The only scary part about the monsoon in Goa is riding a bike on the wet roads. Drivers still show no mercy for bikers when coming down a slope or overtaking on a straight. The chances of an accident happening are even more now, but the apathy still stands.

On the brighter side, the roads are cleaner and the place has gone quieter, which, in a lot of ways, is a good thing. Though, I strongly feel that as a tourist destination, Goa can do so much more. This season can also be a good time to visit the state and someone should see to it that the wheels are set in motion in this regard. Until then though, I look forward to cantering in soaking wet to work, sipping hot coffee on a damp morning and walking carefree in the sand.

May 31, Gomantak Times, Goa