Sunil Chhetri. Photo: X/@IndianFootball Sunil Chhetri. Photo: X/@IndianFootball 
Fans were not impressed at the reports which stated that the All India Football Federation is aiming to scout tall footballers and has identified regions in Rajasthan for the same. (More Football News)
As per a report in the Indian Express, the president of AIFF Kalyan Chaubeyhas told football association in Rajasthan to keep an eye on tall young players and develop their skills.
“During one of my trips around the country watching football, I spotted that players from Rajasthan would stand out because of their height. That made me explore the idea of keeping an eye on them," Chaubey said. "So I spoke to officials of the Rajasthan state association to look for 14-15-year-old boys and develop their skills. There is a high probability that they will be close to 6’3″ or 6’4” when they reach the senior level."
India Vs Vietnam: Manolo Marquez Announces 23-Member Squad For The International Friendly - Check Who's In Chittorgarh, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh and Mewar belt have been identified as regions to scout six-foot-plus players, Chaubey said.
The decision has triggered debate among Indian football fans. While some fans pointed out Sunil Chhetri's height to display their dissatisfaction, some cautioned that first focus should be on developing skills.
I know a 5ft 7inch footballer who scored 94 international goals pic.twitter.com/CWQErZnlaV
— KBFC Pride (@BlastersPride) October 6, 2024What's your action plan for this? Just telling that region's academy & club's will not give you any result. Make a proper developmental plan for that. Give them competitive youth football structure & better coaches. Without that these is just another joke. ⚽️🇮🇳#IndianFootball
— Hiren Patel (@curiousharry19) October 6, 2024Some fans also pointed out that Japan, despite having relatively shorter players, are the best Asian side.
Japan is ranked #1 in Asia btw
— ppm_444_ (@ppm_444_) October 6, 2024Great minds of Indian football would've ignored Messi, Iniesta and Xavi as they are below 6ft
— KM (@Kmittal255) October 6, 2024A lot of fans also used humour to slam AIFF's decision of trying to find tall players. The decision to go on the quest of tall players also faced backlash from football fans from North-East. However, in a social media post Chaubey clarified that he had not said anything about players from North-East.
It’s completely fake news. I haven’t commented anything on the players from North East. I said - “in modern-day football, it is important to have taller players in certain positions like GK, Stopper & Central Midfielder”Please read the article https://t.co/8bldSAftit https://t.co/K3ogTWMAqL
— Kalyan Chaubey (@kalyanchaubey) October 6, 2024Meanwhileice casino, Indian squad to play Vietnam was unveiled on Sunday. India and Vietnam will lock horns in a one-off friendly on October 12 after Lebanon pulled out of a scheduled tri-series.