The 37th National Games in Goa witnessed an unexpected highlight as Beach Football took the stage, drawing beach enthusiasts and sports lovers alike to Colva beach in South Goa. Although not a mainstream sport in India, Beach Football has gained significant momentum over the years, captivating even non-coastal states participating in the games.
The eight competing teams, including coastal states like Goa, Kerala, Odisha, and Lakshadweep, along with non-coastal states such as Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, showcased the sport’s growing popularity across the nation.
Despite the absence of beaches in states like Delhi and Jharkhand, teams have shown remarkable dedication. Delhi’s team manager, Mohammed Naeem, highlights the players’ professionalism and passion for the sport, despite having to travel for practice sessions.
The AIFF has proposed a beach football facility at Delhi’s Nehru Stadium, indicating the sport’s budding popularity in the National Capital. Even Jharkhand, without beaches, relies on its innate footballing skills to compete, aiming to prove their mettle in this format.
Coastal states like Kerala and Lakshadweep, abundant with beaches, naturally exhibit fervor for Beach Football. Coaches from these regions, like Sashin Chandran from Kerala, recognize the sport’s potential and the abundance of talent, expressing optimism about its future growth.
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Both Chandran and Rashid, the coach from Lakshadweep, advocate for the active promotion of Beach Football across the country by the AIFF. Their hope is to see India participating in international tournaments like the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup, emphasizing the need for grassroots programs and increased interest among youngsters.
The 37th National Games provided a platform to showcase Beach Football’s rising popularity, marking a historic event for the sport in India and fostering ambitions for greater recognition and development nationwide.
-IANS
