BRICS U-17 Cup 2016: India 0-1 Russia - 5 Talking Points

#5 Doordarshan’s coverage was woeful

Watching the game on television was like going back in time

It was rather ironic that all the glitz and glamour of the Indian Super League was taking place parallel to the U-17 BRICS Cup. The ISL has perfected coverage of Indian football, marrying the traditional 22 men on the pitch with India’s penchant for Bollywood-esque drama, with fireworks and flashy graphics on screen aplenty.

Doordarshan’s coverage of what is a minor preview of the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year was awful by comparison. Putting aside the image quality from the 80s, the footage frequently cut away from goal-mouth action and focused on close up shots of the referee or the bench.

In addition the commentary provided plenty of moments of mirth. They initially described a shot of Nicolai Adam and his staff as the ‘Russian bench’, and wrongly identified a couple of Indian players, alongside a cringeworthy half-time interview with the Russian coach. Plenty of Indian fans are falling in love with the Indian colts, and they deserve better.