Extra financial help for Indian football: Rijiju

Ahmedabad: The government "will provide extra financial help wherever it's possible" for Indian football, Union Sports minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday.

"We have seen certain improvements in our men's, as well as women's football, in recent times.

"From the Sports ministry, we will provide extra financial help wherever it's possible to scout, and nurture young talents as well as for the professional training, and other events," Rijiju said during an video interview.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Intercontinental Cup here.

"The ministry of Sports will provide whatever is required for better training, coaching, facilities, and other demands and requirements whichever will be placed by the AIFF.

"We'll always be there. I'm very enthusiastic about supporting any kind of sport in India, and football is very special to me," Rijiju said. He also praised the Indian women's team for their recent rise in the FIFA rankings which were released on July 12.