Ayush Shetty supports Argentina as his preferred FIFA World Cup side yet also backs Spain as a strong contender. At home, PV Sindhu maintains a friendly Portugal versus Germany contest with her husband Venkata Datta Sai ahead of the tournament hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
HS Prannoy recalls enjoying football as a child and watching Brazilian Ronaldo perform inside the penalty area. Former All England champion Pullela Gopichand also admires Argentina and Messi. He attended the 2006 World Cup in Germany live and observed the country move past its history while becoming more open internationally.
Athletes often recognize excellence in other sports. The World Cup draws even top performers in their fields into the role of enthusiastic supporters whose emotions are shaped for one month every four years by a sport different from their own.
Prannoy grew up viewing recordings of Taufik Hidayat obtained by his father. His appreciation for skill also developed from watching football on older television sets. He admired the Brazilian squad featuring Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos, though he later shifted support toward Argentina and Messi.
The Argentine team and its leader Messi attract followers including Ayush, Ajay Jayram and MR Arjun. World Cup preferences can shift and often reflect neutral viewing without fixed duties. Arjun states Argentina remains his top choice yet he also hopes England succeeds, noting his long admiration for Steven Gerrard.
Parupalli Kashyap follows the event with some disappointment because Italy, his usual favorite, failed to qualify. He remembers the 1994 tournament and the missed penalty by Baggio along with Romario’s performance. He has watched every edition since and believes Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a title with Portugal, citing Bruno Fernandes’ recent form.
Kashyap adds that he likes Portugal’s colors and was drawn to Italy’s blue kit in 1994. He recalls the 2006 final incident involving Zidane and Materazzi and remains a fan of the French player. Neutral support allows appreciation of both sides.
Senior coach Vimal Kumar has followed World Cups for more than fifty years. During his youth Brazil was often favored yet disappointed him in 1978 and 1982. He admired Socrates and Zico for their creative style that made the team a popular second choice for many viewers.
In 1986, while at an Asian Games training camp in Patiala, Vimal and teammates including Syed Modi stayed up to watch matches after receiving permission. They shared the tension and drama without modern devices. Brazil again exited on penalties to France, leaving him upset for days. The 1994 victory finally brought joy, and he now supports Messi.
Over five decades football has remained alongside badminton. The World Cup has created lasting memories of friendship, passion and inspiration. Each edition still brings the same anticipation Vimal felt as a student awaiting the next match. June periods feature skill and flair from a sport outside their primary discipline.
