We also play soccer...

IN CONVERSATION

his soccer plans.

As the first professional manager to head the IFA, what will your priorities be?

My first priority will be to bring back goodwill for the game so that we can generate resources to develop and promote world-class players and world-class teams.

There is a lot of wealth in this game. It can be a strong vehicle of communication to reach out to consumers, especially in rural India. The villages do not watch cricket. But first we have to convince people that they can gain from it.

How do you want corporates to contribute?

We'll have to talk to corporates to get them to adopt the game. For the Super Soccer series, we'll need a prime sponsor to underwrite our costs.

What are your plans to revitalise soccer in Bengal?

A lot of work needs to be done at the grassroots level "" like training academies to locate young stars. At the same time, we need a PR exercise to create excitement around the game.

A five-star event like Super Soccer, which I propose to relaunch as an IFA event, will go a long way to do that. The other event that I propose to revive is the Darjeeling Gold Cup.

What about the problems of administration...

I accept there is a weakness. We will try to improve, but it will take time.

... and poor infrastructure?

Coaches, training academies, stadia "" all that's necessary, but my starting point will have to be resources.

Is Super Soccer a good idea today when people can watch the best world soccer on TV?

That may be true, but there is a certain amount of sentiment surrounding a local player. If two players from Mohun Bagan play in a Super Series side, then you can be sure of high levels of interest.