Futsal - The new trend in India

Both my brothers have grown up playing and watching football. They still do the latter. I remember them playing football in the society area, in the nearby ground or at school. That was a time we didn't have the turfs and facilities we have today. With the increase in the concrete jungle, there are less and less open spaces for kids to play freely and then there is always scope of Windows breaking or accidents happening. Infact I used to wonder by the time my li'l boy grows up, will there even be any space at all?

It is no secret that football is the fastest growing sport in India but along with football there is one more sport that is catching the frenzy of urban youth. Football’s miniature version popularly known as Futsal.

India's 1st Rooftop Futsal

Futsal is traditionally played in Brazil and Uruguay but later on became a rage world over. It is also catching up in India big time, with active efforts taken by SAI and Futsal Federation of India. Futsal is played indoors and is five-a-side game. The game mainly focuses on player’s technical ability and improvisation.

I was thrilled to know about the concept of Futsal and emerging trends in India. Specially because the youth otherwise have become very lethargic, addicted to their smartphones and other gadgets, a snap chat and selfie generation that needs more exposure to physical activities.

And since there is lack of space in Metro cities and urban India, this concept makes total sense. Bow down to whoever invented it! Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Chennai etc already have turfs with ongoing tournaments. Many more are coming up in other cities too.

The Futsal Field

To take things to the next level, Former Fifa World Player of the Year, Luis Figo, is supposed to arrive in India to explore business opportunities, including the launch of his own football academy in India.

The Portuguese legend tweeted a picture with what he described as "my Indian partners" early this month, and although he did not disclose more details, or identify his Indian partners, sources close to the development confirmed that the Portuguese footballer will make a trip to India next week. If Figo is convinced that India is the right place to kick-start another football venture, it will be for the first time that a leading footballer lends his name to a project in this part of the world.

I can't wait for my kiddo to grow up a bit, so that in a few years he can be playing Futsal too!