The announcement that the World Cup will be televised in India is proof that the delay was more due to pricing than timing. Indian linear television viewership nearly doubled to 85.7m between 2010 and 2014 when marquee matches kicked off in the wee hours.
India has a football connection with Uzbekistan, with the late Rustam Akramov joining as senior national team coach and giving Bhaichung Bhutia his international debut. Uzbekistan's journey to the World Cup is a testament to sustained investment in the sport, with government-funded academies, a network of football schools, and 3,500 mini football facilities.
Uzbekistan's development has been praised by Arsene Wenger, who inaugurated India's only FIFA-approved academy in 2023. Unlike most countries, Uzbekistan's development has been organic, like Japan.
India can draw inspiration from Uzbekistan's football rise and see if any ideas can be imported or tweaked to improve the sport in the country.
