Well Delhi and India both aren't too much known for their football skills but still there are Football Fanatics all over the place. Imagining a game like football the image that crosses your mind is that of fit people with toned bodies playing the game. But what about the Fanatics? They come in all shape and sizes. People are crazy about Football in Delhi. Groups in colleges and schools are based on the team people support. Every weekend all the guys and the girls gather on some groups that I know of on Facebook and in person as well, when they hangout (guys usually) and fight/argue over the clubs they support. There is a  thorough examination of the performance of their respective teams and of course the criticism too. Not only the players are analyzed but managers and team’s strategies and etc are also taken care of. What I find funny is when girls get into the scene, because we all know why they like Football. Some have crush on Ronaldo or Torres and etc. Hey I’m not judging, its the truth. Nor do I mind so, I mean they are "crush worthy" no doubt.

The Usual “Question”

Hey you, yes you! What team you support? You don’t support any team? What are you man? So boring man! That’s what they get to hear, those who don’t support any team. In fact when I had an intro in college even I was asked the same. Things have changed so much in past few years, you don’t hear kids talking about Beckham anymore, you hear them talking in detail about the game, its technicalities, referee’s decision and other such things. Gone are the days when talk were only about Beckham’s hairstyle or Ronaldo’s girlfriend, things are getting “Serious” over here these days. It’s not like that you call yourself a Football maniac and think you can escape without bombardment of questions from your fellow mates regarding the happenings of the game, not any more sir!

Football scene in Delhi

Delhi is one of the leading places in India, where you notice Football given appropriate attention, I’m so happy that cricket doesn’t dominate here anymore. There are so many clubs out here in Delhi namely, Simla Youngs, Shastri Football club and so on. But the catchy thing nowadays is that one can see the popularity of the game going sky high among the youth. From Schools offering Football training to clubs willing to open their official institutes, Football scene has changed rather improved dramatically in Delhi. It’s not too unusual these days to see young kids in parks or even on the streets showing off their football skills and trick. Apart from such things, competitions and tournaments are held regularly nowadays unlike ever before. Almost all the college fest or least in most of them street Soccer or Futsal is included pointing to the fact how popular the game has become. DU is a major spot of Futsal in the city .

Football fashion in the city
 

Well we have to admit it that football is a fancy game. There may not be many accessories involved in the game but definitely there is a certain style statement in it. Its not surprising any more to see small kids wearing jerseys of Kaka, Rooney, Nani, Beckham, Van Persie, Ronaldo, Messi and so on and on. And the places famous for these jerseys are none other than our own Palika Market and Sarojni Nagar. They are kind of football hot spots. Although they sell imitations of the real jerseys that cost a few thousands for just hundreds but ask a 10 year old flaunting Messi’s jersey about it and just see if it matters to him. One can see young fanatics wearing F50s and Predators running around chasing the ball. People are passionate about the game these days. And how can I not mention about the cool hairstyle. Well first name that pops up is none other than “DB7” known as David Beckham, he’s a class apart! Following him closely is arguably the current star of the game “CR7” Cristiano Ronaldo. There style statements are just like their game, amazingly awesome and top notch! They score both on the field and as well as off it. We all know the fancy cars and the lifestyles they have [girlfriends too]. But apart from that they also have their own swagger and attitude, that to be honest can’t be matched so don’t try to copy them but yes do idolize them. It gives such rush and excitement seeing so much improvement in Football culture in Delhi. Especially in a country where cricket is a religion, cliché!

Well I know there are people out there who are crazy about the game in Delhi, much more crazy and wacky than the cricket fans and I’m proud to live among them in this city of mine. Long live Delhi, Long live Football.
[p.s- I’m optimistic about India qualifying for the World Cup in a few years. ]