There is certain improvement in football in India, says Kiren Rijiju

India’s newly-appointed union sports minister Kiren Rijiju was present in Ahmedabad for India’s Intercontinental Cup encounter against DPR Korea on Saturday. Although the Indian team lost that game 5-2 and almost crashed out of the four-nation tournament, Rijiju is of the belief that the sport has developed in the country off late.

"Football is the biggest game actually in terms of popularity, in terms of reach, in terms of the size. So India has to put in a lot of efforts for the growth of football," Rijiju said in a video posted by Indian Football Team's official Twitter handle.

"Now we have seen certain improvement in both women and men. Women football in India is having more potential at this point of time but men also should not lag behind.”

The MP from North-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh has also mentioned that the ministry will be supportive towards the sport and also provide financial assistance for the betterment of the talented players in India.

"From the Sports Ministry, we will provide extra financial help wherever it is possible to nurture football talent, scouting of young talent as well as for the professional training and other events," the minister explained.

"I am hopeful that in the years to come, the standard of the India football will rise, I am very very hopeful.”