The Journey Continues

(A short introductory note)
My dear Parth, Viyanka, and Veyd,
When the FIFA World Cup came to an end, I thought our little journey together had also reached its conclusion. We had travelled through the history of the tournament, met some of its greatest heroes, discovered its unforgettable moments, learnt about its rules and traditions, and finally celebrated the crowning of new world champions.
Then I realised something. The World Cup is only the grandest chapter in a much larger story.
Football itself never comes to an end. Long after the famous Trophy has been lifted and the cheering crowds have gone home, the game continues to be played every day in villages and cities, on beaches and playgrounds, in schools, parks, and magnificent stadiums across the world. New children begin to dream. New clubs discover young talent. New rivalries are born, new records are created, and new heroes quietly begin their journeys.
These letters are an invitation to explore that wider world. Together we shall discover the great football clubs where champions are shaped, the legendary stadiums that millions dream of visiting, the famous competitions that capture the imagination of entire continents, the remarkable journeys of young players, and many other fascinating stories that lie beyond the World Cup itself.
As before, these are not meant to be lessons or lectures. They are simply conversations between a grandfather and his grandchildren—conversations filled with stories, history, curiosity, and, I hope, a sense of wonder. If, along the way, they help you understand not only football but also the qualities of patience, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and excellence that the game celebrates, they will have served their purpose.
So come, let us begin another journey. The World Cup may have ended. But the wonderful world of football is waiting for us.
With all my love,
Dadu

(Uday Kumar Varma is an IAS officer. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)