Delhi could see two teams in next I-League: AIFF president Patel

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel on Monday said Delhi could see two I-League teams in upcoming season.

AIFF recently invited bids from n-I-League cities, including Delhi, Ranchi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Luckw and Ahmedabad, to take part in 2020-21 season.

previous season of league saw 11 clubs, including AIFF's developmental outfit Indian Arrows, take part in competition.

However, reigning champions Mohun Bagan have merged with ATK and will play in Indian Super League (ISL) from upcoming season.

"Clubs from Delhi will be a reality soon in Hero I-league and re may be two teams from Delhi. I am personally looking into this aspect and doubt Delhi football deserves a big focus being capital city," Patel said during a programme organised by Football Delhi to mark 36th birthday of India captain Sunil Chhetri.

He also highlighted progress AIFF has made over last decade while emphasising on need to "professionalise sport".

"We have come a long way. Globally FIFA w ackwledges that Indian football has to be supported and strengned for sport to grow in region. FIFA and AFC have made it clear that football has to be commercially viable and it has to support overall ecosystem around it," he said.

"That is why it is important to professionalise sport. Hero I-League was first step towards that. w, Hero ISL has taken it furr and made more additions to Indian football," Patel added.

Chhetri said he received "best birthday gift" when Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju anunced formation of five zonal committees to hunt talent across country.

"I am really houred to have my birthday celebrated as Delhi Football Day. It is like a dream, when you start playing, you never dream that your birthday will be made so special and for that I am really thankful to Football Delhi.

"Sports Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju making a commitment here to locate every football talent in India and if every talent is identified and nurtured well n half of problem of Indian football is solved. It is best birthday gift I can ask for," Chhetri said.

skipper added that in a vast country like India finding talent is t an issue.

"Talent is t problem here. We could have plenty of Olympic gold medals. I kw how hard AIFF works to get a bigger pool of players. It is very important to give young talented players right food, training and so on. When all this is done, it can be a monumental growth," he said.

Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran said state association was delighted to receive such an overwhelming response.

"It was very encouraging to hear from distinguished speakers potential of Indian football in general and Delhi football in particular.

"It was a perfect way to celebrate birthday of Sunil Chhetri and we are houred by overwhelming response and attention Delhi football is receiving through this E-Summit," Prabhakaran said.

Meanwhile, Patel lauded Odisha government for "setting an example of how a state government can help sports thrive in a particular region." "I think states like Odisha need to be commended. y have actively supported every sport. That is something that or state governments should follow too."