New Delhi:
The All India Football Federation on Monday announced cash award of Rs five lakh each for skipper Bhaichung Bhutia and custodian Subrata Paul while other players will get two Rs lakh each for their sensational Nehru Cup triumph.
Paul played a stellar role in India's 6-5 win via tie-breaker over Syria as he saved as many as three penalties.
AIFF acting President Praful Patel said India's win was a reflection of the improvement in their skills.
"Considering that India are ranked 156 in FIFA chart and Syria 95th, today's win reflects how much we have improved in the last few years," Patel, who is also Union Civil Aviation Minister, said after the match.
"Our next aim is to do well in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and if we do well in that tournament, that would redefine Indian football," he added.
Patel did not forget to praise India coach Bob Houghton also.
"Bob has done a commendable job. It is under him that Indian football has been rising up. We have to continue this good performance," he said.
He also promised to organise more international fixtures for India for a better preparation for the AFC Asian Cup.
Paul played a stellar role in India's 6-5 win via tie-breaker over Syria as he saved as many as three penalties.
AIFF acting President Praful Patel said India's win was a reflection of the improvement in their skills.
"Considering that India are ranked 156 in FIFA chart and Syria 95th, today's win reflects how much we have improved in the last few years," Patel, who is also Union Civil Aviation Minister, said after the match.
"Our next aim is to do well in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and if we do well in that tournament, that would redefine Indian football," he added.
Patel did not forget to praise India coach Bob Houghton also.
"Bob has done a commendable job. It is under him that Indian football has been rising up. We have to continue this good performance," he said.
He also promised to organise more international fixtures for India for a better preparation for the AFC Asian Cup.
