New Delhi: Indian international Mahesh Gawli was upset with the comments made by the sports minister, MS Gill of the national team standing no chance against an Australian school side, and backed coach Bob Houghton over his latest remarks over the current state of Indian football.
Earlier this year, MS Gill said," Sometimes the team is ranked 140 … sometimes 120. I don’t know what has happened to Indian football. Now, they may even get beaten by the Australian school team."
"I remember the Sports Minister saying this Indian team would lose even to an Australian school team. I don’t know what prompted him to say that but I feel, instead of being cynical he should’ve asked himself why the facilities aren’t there," Houghton was quoted saying in response to the statement of the Sports Minister.
The Dempo defender was disappointed with Gill’s statement and felt that he belittled the players’ service to the national side.
Speaking to Goal.com, Mahesh Gawli said, "I am very upset with the statement of the Indian sports minister when he said we could lose to an Australian school side. If he feels that the standard is so bad then why not work to improve it.
"He has insulted us and after giving so many years to Indian football, one is hurt to hear such comments."
The ‘Composed’ added that though people might say that their Nehru Cup triumph wasn’t a great achievement but nothing of that sort could be said about winning the AFC Challenge Cup last year.
"AFC Challenge Cup is a top class event and we won it. We must give credit to Bob Houghton for what he is doing for Indian football. I feel everyone must come out in support of him and if they don’t, then maybe they don’t want changes," added Gawli.
The Goan star feels that money isn’t an issue when it comes to improving the infrastructure.
"Everywhere the infrastructure is growing. I don’t think that money isn’t there. Let’s improve the standard or at least help someone who has the vision as to how to do it.
"We can’t just let things remain the way they are," said Gawli.
Mahesh Gawli is one of the first to show his support to Bob Houghton who gave vent to his frustrations last week.
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