Calling them technically good, FIFA's referee development officer for Southeast Asia Farkhad Abdullaev today said Indian referees need to be "courageous" in order to be in sync with the high standards.
"Indian referees are technically very good but comparing an evolving species with an evolved one makes little sense. However, the refereeing bar has been set very high in the world and if Indian referees are to compete, they need to be courageous," Abdullaev said.
The official from Uzbekistan was speaking on the sidelines of FIFA MA assistant referees course, being conducted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"The development of the referees has been on a gradual rise and courses such as this only boost it further. India is the sole exception where FIFA is conducting courses for referees, assistant referees and women's referees.
"This is a rare privilege which India enjoys given its vastness. In that sense, Indian referees are fortunate enough and the results would be visible in due course."
The course is being attended by 35 assistant referees.
Abdullaev said future of Indian referees is good.
"The future looks good for Indian referees and with the AIFF taking many initiatives it is bound to bloom. The results will be evident in given time and the progress has been commendable so far. But going forward, we need more elite referees from India," he said.
When asked what advice he wants to give aspiring referees, he said, "you need to love the game with all your heart. Follow the game, live the game and understand the game to your fullest.
"There are always tutors who will help you in this quest by supporting and guiding you. But it's up to you to set a high bar for yourself. Believe in your abilities and the sky is the limit," Abdullaev said.
