Vijayan hails Brazil's India visit as watershed moment for football

The legendary former India captain believes the high-profile encounter will provide invaluable experience for the country's young footballers while elevating global interest in Indian football. Vijayan, regarded as one of India's greatest footballers, said the match offers a rare opportunity for domestic talent to test themselves against world-class opposition.

"The young players will play and gain experience, which is a very big thing. It will become a memory for them for the rest of their lives," Vijayan said, according to a statement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The veteran player, whose own illustrious career spanned several decades, emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation of Indian footballers. "My football career ended a long time ago. Whatever I played, I played wholeheartedly. Now our players should enjoy the game," he added.

Vijayan believes hosting a team of Brazil's stature represents a major positive development for Indian football, with potential to generate widespread public interest in the sport across the country. The international friendly is expected to attract significant attention both domestically and globally.