Tuesday, September 12 2006 12:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

On Board Air India One: What would gladden the hearts of football lovers, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday (11 Sep, 2006) says he would take up the question of Brazil helping India in developing its football prowess during his official visit here.

Just before landing in Brasilia, Manmohan Singh tells accompanying media, "Brazil's credentials as a football power are well known. Priyaranjan Dasmunsi (All India Football Federation president) has asked me to raise this matter with the government of Brazil even though this does not happen to be a subject between two governments."

He says if India is to organize the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, "we must improve our capabilities in our sports".

This could be done by cooperation with other countries, including getting coaches from Brazil and Cuba, the other country he is visiting later this week.

Dasmunsi, who is also the information and broadcasting minister, had earlier talked to the Brazilian envoy in New Delhi to seek his help in getting coaches and training for Indian footballers.