Electronics giant Panasonic signed a historic deal with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday, a partnership that will seek to bring the best out of Indian football.

By Rajarshi Gupta

Minutes after the deal was inked, espnstar.com caught up with an upbeat AIFF boss, Praful Patel, who has his eyes set on a bright future for the sport that he says is the “most popular after cricket” in the country.

The Indian football team did give fans some reasons to cheer last year, when it defended the Nehru Cup in Delhi in front of packed crowds.

Back in 2008, India stormed through to win the AFC Cup, which allowed the side to participate in the Asia Games in Doha in 2012, an accolade that came their way after 24 years.

Not surprisingly, Panasonic have decided to pump in a hefty Rs 4.7 crores in a MoU signed for three years.

A senior official from the company revealed that the AIFF will be given autonomy “in a lot of areas” as far as the sponsorship was concerned.

The ‘club vs nation’ agony has been a thorn for the governing body in India and the Aviation Minister, who doubles up as the AIFF chief revealed the body will compensate players and clubs when the former are needed to participate in national training camps.

He said: “We at AIFF are looking to compensate players and clubs when they are required to attend national training camps. The situation is not grave at all.”

Reflecting on last week’s shambolic developments around Indian Hockey, Patel said it was unfortunate to see the sport crippled due to lack of funds.

“It was sad to see whatever happened. Everyone is aware of the problem and we (the AIFF) will look to pitch it with some support as well.”, added Patel.

Money has a strange aura and power about it. Not too long ago, the AIFF was at the mercy of the BCCI and Patel’s state-mate Sharad Pawar for funds that could get the football team up on its feet.

Some cash may have boosted the morale of the players and administrators but wasn’t the obvious lack of funds a dangerous territory that Patel should have been worried of? Does he foresee a ‘hockey-like’ revolt from his wards?

“I don’t see that happening. Our boys are playing the I-League and negotiating with the clubs and are getting paid pretty well.

We are open to make efforts and see that the players are satisfied. Their happiness is of prime importance to us,” Patel said.

The suave football supremo had a simple take on how he would have dealt with the hockey crisis: “Had I been the Hockey India boss, there would not have been a problem in the first place,” he said with a smile that suggested more than the Minister perhaps intended to.

Saturday night was a heady concoction of sports and glamour with Bollywood damsel Dia Mirza walking the ramp with top notch national and international models later in the evening to celebrate what was a momentous day for football fans.

There is some hope at last. Somebody sees a ray of promise. AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco was beaming at a Gurgaon hotel, chatting with senior Panasonic officials as the media hung on to every word that was exchanged.

Click here for PHOTO GALLERY

Warm, happy scenes. What one wonders is how long will a top international brand like Panasonic let the football team settle down.

Arjun Balakrishnan, Director- Panasonic India said they would look after the team for three years to begin with.

“We will monitor the way the team performs at international events. The Indian football team deserves a chance but we will certainly review their show after three years.

“I am sure it is going to be a mutually beneficial relationship. We are no where near being a good football team yet but we believe that the side has potential.”
 
This is a new challenge for the national team, which has not produced a top class player since the emergence of Bhaichung Bhutia. No other player has captured the imagination of the nation after the Sikkim lad burst on to the scene a little over a decade ago.

India have become used to cringing over no commercial participation and sponsorship for any sport other than cricket. Panasonic have made a beginning. It is for our team to grasp the thread and push forward in unison.