I hope we build on the popularity generated by FIFA U-17 World Cup: Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri is hoping that India can build upon the massive popularity generated by the successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. (Source: AP)

Skipper of the Indian national football team, Sunil Chhetri, is hoping that India can build upon the massive popularity generated by the successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Indian Sports Honours, Chhetri said, “Massive, the kind of popularity, the kind of interest generated (about football) by the World Cup is massive, I hope we build on it. It is one thing to have a tournament and more important thing to build on it, so I just hope as nation we build on it.”

Earlier, while speaking to IANS, Chhetri had also stressed on the need for nationals teams to step up and raise their game. “The biggest gain for us is that Indian football has been recognised at the world stage. This is the best opportunity to cash in and make it count”, he had said. “Our boys played so well. These are the guys who will come into the senior team now and we need to hold them together and continue their development,” he added.

“We need to make sure such enthusiasm does not die down with the World Cup getting over. For that, the national teams need to keep doing well but also the infrastructure needs to be taken care of, ” he concluded.