Former India defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo has taken charge as head coach of the India U17 men’s football team, with AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualification as his immediate goal. Wadoo, who began the probables’ camp in Goa, said the young players represent the future of Indian football and he is ready for the responsibility.

Mumbai: Every FIFA World Cup brings with it a familiar debate in India: why has the country still not qualified for football’s biggest stage?

The discussion has gained greater urgency in recent years, with administrators and experts beginning to speak about a possible push towards the 2034 World Cup. While that remains a formidable ambition, the possibility of India hosting the 2036 Olympics has further underlined the need to develop a strong generation of young footballers.

Wadoo takes charge of U17 team

At the heart of that process is former India defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who has been entrusted with what he calls a “big responsibility” as head coach of the India U17 men’s national team.