Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Mittal has taken a very good step forward by offering support to All India Football Federation (AIFF). Most of the money goes to cricket in India and other sports have been neglected. Hockey and Football are two sports in which Indian teams can improve their performance if there is financial support from advertising companies.

Mr. Mittal was sharing his views after Bharti Enterprises and AIFF signed a MOU to launch first major public-private partnership. Bharti will support AIFF financially to establish a World Class football academy.

Mr. Mittal said that he will be happy to spend as much as it may be needed to see Indian team in World Cup 2018.

AIFF Chief Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said that it will be a great help for development of football in India. Mr. Dasmunsi declared that with help of Bharti, Indian football team will be able to compete on World level.

By March 31, 2008, the work on Academy will start. The academy will take around 100 youngsters in four age group in first round. The news is really good for Football and may even encourage other corporate houses to think about supporting other sports in the country. Indian Hockey team has performed really well on many occasions, but most of the money from endorsements goes in pocket of Indian cricketers.