New Delhi, July 19 — The FIFA World Cup has once again demonstrated football's unmatched ability to unite billions across the globe, delivering unforgettable moments on and off the pitch. As the world gears up for the final between Argentina and Spain, the spotlight has also returned to a question that continues to haunt Indian football: why has a nation of more than 1.4 billion people still not qualified for the sport's biggest event?
For Shaji Prabhakaran, the answer is neither complicated nor unattainable. The former All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary believes India possesses the resources, talent and passion to reach the FIFA World Cup, but insists that sustained hard work, transparent governance, grassroots development and collective effort, not miracles, will determine whether that dream becomes a reality.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Prabhakaran shares his blueprint for transforming Indian football, explaining why qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is "not rocket science" if the country's football ecosystem commits to a long-term vision. He also discusses the significance of the FIFA World Cup final, Lionel Messi's enduring influence on Argentina, the criticism surrounding the defending champions, and why he believes football can emerge as one of India's greatest soft powers.
From India's long-term World Cup aspirations to football's growing global impact, Prabhakaran offers an expansive assessment of where the game stands today and what it will take for India to finally earn its place on football's grandest stage.
Here are the excerpts from the conversation: