Meet the FIFA U-17 strategist for India
Interview: Sangheeta Bhattacharya Text: Shalet James Photos: Midhun Vijayan
Joy Bhattacharya is an applied mathematician and a computer engineer who has been changing the face of sports industry in the country with his skill of calculus. He is also an orator, writer, quizzer,and a sports producer with almost ‘25 years of adventurous life’ as he describes, spent in the world of Indian Sports and Media. Joy has been a part of Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008 and was the former Team Director of Kolkata Knight Riders. At present, Joy is the Project Director of U-17 World Cup which will be hosted by India between 6 and 28 October, 2017. From writing quiz columns and conducting shows as a quiz master, Joy has immensely contributed towards creating programmes like ESPN School Quiz, Master Mind India and Super Selector. In a chat with FWD Business, Joy Bhattacharya opens up his team’s plan to develop the game –‘Football’ in India.
From applying math in designing the bidding system for IPL and team selection to now passionately taking football to the rural corners of India, how do you see yourself managing the new role?
My life has always been an adventure. It was in July or August last year that I came to know about the U-17 World Cup to be hosted in India and its immense possibilities. That was a time when I was working for IPL and was thinking to explore another area of sport. I felt U-17 World Cup was an amazing opportunity to prove myself and to be instrumental for the future my country. When the project started off it was me and Javier Ceppi. Javier who is appointed as the director of U-17 World Cup has headed the world cup in more than 3 countries. He understands the format and he is brilliant with what makes the tournament successful in terms of operation and logistics. We will strive hard to make U-17 World cup count for India. We are working together to deliver a World Class Event as well as we aim to create youth activation for the U-17 FIFA World Cup. By organising U-17 World Cup here, our goal is to change the face of Indian Football.
Goa, Kerala, West Bengal and North East are the football hub of India. Do you think an attitudinal change can be brought to the sport in the country?
There is much talent and potential in North East and they are just crazy about football for last 25 years. If you notice the football trend now, the current U-17 World Cup 2017 has 14 kids out of 30 from North East. West Bengal, Kerala and Goa are also known as football lovers, But, I think Bengal and Kerala should organise more football tournaments in their state as there are only a few to their credits. As FC Cochin, Kerala Blasters FC, Kerala should come up with more clubs and matches as the state is a hotbed of talent.
Under-17 World Cup 2017 is all set to begin in October, how is the ground preparation going on?
Stadium is getting ready and each and every area for the event is been managed in a systematic way. The tournament will act as a catalyst to encourage people to play football. The initial preparation for the tournament is done and we are sure to lit a spark and take it forward. Whatever work is going on is being done very much in consultation with the parent body.
There are lots of youth activities happening in Kerala, So, how do you think U-17 World Cup 2017 can be reached out to school children in both rural and urban areas?
The U-17 World Cup will be an ideal catalyst for the growth of football across the whole country. We are trying to reach out to 11 million kids by introducing small sided games in which 3:3 or 4:4 players will be present in each team. This format will help every student to enjoy and play football. Girl children who usually do not prefer to play the game will develop a liking towards the sport. The program has received a good response in schools where the small sided games were introduced. Parents and Principals should realise the benefits of children indulging in sports. In the initial stage, we are planning to reach out to all the 6 states those who have signed with us and gradually will be moving to other states. The government of India is impressed with the scheme and will be helping to fund this programme across every state in India. We very much believe the words of our head – Fifa President Gianni Infantino who said that India is passionate about football and the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 is a great opportunity to connect the whole nation across all age groups with football. We are working hard to make this U-17 World cup the most successful junior world cup ever.
Kochi is the first city in India to have been selected as a venue to host FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017. How has been your experience working with the Kerala Government?
It’s been excellent. With 6 venues been selected by Fifa delegation, Kerala has set an example for other 5 states – Navi Mumbai, Goa, New Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. Senior IAS officer APM Mohammed Hanish who has been appointed as a Nodal Officer for Fifa U-17 World Cup, 2017 is extremely capable and forward thinking. Mr Hanish has been a driving force for the event. It’s good that we have an efficient officer within the system who is capable of making the government realise the importance of organising U-17 World Cup in Kochi and its benefit to the state and children’s future. Everybody indulged in the event are actively involved in making this U-17 World Cup a grand succes.
Has the decision been taken on the key sponsors for the U-17 World Cup 2017?
We have already 6 international sponsors on board which are the global partners like Hyundai, Visa, Coco Cola, Adidas and Wanda Group. Other than the main sponsor’s many others have also shown their interest to invest in the tournament. There are many potential sponsors in Kerala. We had some couple of chats with the sponsors but we have not yet received any confirmation.