Will the stupendous success of the FIFA U-17 World Cup usher in a new dawn for Indian football? Only a pessimist will not believe so.

This was the first FIFA event hosted by India and the organisational success in the maiden venture does provide a big tick mark when it comes to infrastructure. India now has at least six more stadiums that can boast of having practice grounds of international standards. Coaches from all the participating countries were appreciative of the infrastructure. Awareness for the game is another factor. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where the popularity of football was on the wane, showed exactly what such a tournament can do to generate interest among people.