Prasad argues that Indian education is skilled at identifying academic ability but less prepared to recognise movement, judgement, balance and composure on the pitch.
“It is high time that schools re-orient to identify other types of intelligence in kids and try to nurture them at an early age,” Prasad said.
That means treating football talent as more than a child’s physical strength. The ability to scan for a pass, anticipate danger or make a quick decision can be developed, provided it is noticed early and coached properly.
Prasad’s proposed pathway is straightforward: schools identify promising players, community clubs provide specialist coaching, and the All India Football Federation connects that talent to state and national teams.
“Sports is not a single skill - psychomotor skill has two components: psycho (mind) and motor (body),” he said.
The missing link is often continuity. Children may play during physical education lessons, at lunchtime or in local matches, yet lack regular coaching that turns enthusiasm into technique, tactical understanding and discipline.
Facilities remain central to the discussion. A school cannot develop footballers consistently without safe playing areas, equipment and coaches who understand youth development.
“It is important to remember that a coach is not necessarily a good player,” Prasad said. “However, a good coach can shape an excellent player by designing a proper training programme and executing it systematically and rigorously.”
His call for certified coaches, community-club partnerships and corporate support offers a practical starting point. The next test will be whether those ideas become a coordinated grassroots policy - and whether India can turn its World Cup audience into a future generation of World Cup players.