THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indian football is witnessing amazing growth and the country will have representation in the 2026 World Cup, said CPI leader Pannian Raveendran.“The Indian Super League has revolutionised the game though there are allegations of commercialisation. It helped the game grow from an amateur level to a professional level,” Pannian said.He was speaking at the release of his book ‘Lokam Kaattu Niracha Panthinte Koode’ here on Wednesday. CPM politburo member M A Baby released the book by handing over the first copy to Kerala football team coach Satheevan Balan.
Responding to a request from former MLA V Sivankutty, Pannian said he would pen a book on the history of Indian football within a year. India has a world class player in Sunil Chhetri who has 64 international goals to his name, close to Lionel Messi’s 65, he said.Pannian said a quality change was visible in Kerala players too, as was evident from the performance of C K Vineeth.“We have top class coaches like Satheevan Balan whose secret advice to the goalkeeper helped the Kerala team to win the Santosh Trophy,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, M A Baby said the game which was gender-neutral in ancient days has now became male-dominated.“The game is no more an entertainment sport but a thriving industry,” he said.
C Divakaran MLA said Pannian’s book would serve as a handbook for football players and fans. It will help football lovers enjoy the game thoroughly, he said.Satheevan Balan said it was a reference book for players and coaches.“It is delightful listening to avid football fans like Baby and Pannian who would authentically elaborate on the history and techniques of the game,” he said.