The Distant Dream of Indian Football’s Rise to Prominence

For decades, India has struggled to make a meaningful impact on the world stage in football. Despite its massive population and growing enthusiasm for the sport, the country’s national team has consistently underperformed, failing to qualify for major tournaments with any regularity. The latest setback came recently, when India failed to even make it to the 2027 Asian Cup.

One reason for this stagnation is the lack of investment in youth development. Countries like South Korea and Japan give their young players a significant advantage by allowing them to play an astonishing number of competitive matches per season. According to AIFF executive committee member Lalnghinglova Hmar, India’s youth development system is woefully inadequate, with many states lacking proper infrastructure and qualified coaches.

The Indian Super League (ISL), launched in 2014 with the backing of Reliance Industries, has tried to bridge this gap but with limited success. Despite some promising moments, the league continues to struggle with financial stability, having been forced to suspend player salaries last year due to uncertainty over broadcasting rights. This lack of investment hinders clubs like FC Goa and Bengaluru FC in their efforts to build a sustainable future for Indian football.

The government’s failure to provide adequate support for grassroots development is the root cause of India’s problems. With 1.45 billion people, India has immense potential as a sports market, but this also creates a logistical nightmare for implementing widespread reforms. The recent bid to host the 2036 Olympics provides an opportunity for the Indian government to think seriously about investing in its sports infrastructure.

The proposal for a “sports passport” that allows Indian-origin athletes to represent the country is a step in the right direction, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed. Hmar noted that other countries are making strides towards improving their football development systems and investing in infrastructure. If India doesn’t match them, it will be left further behind.

The future of Indian football is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the status quo won’t change unless there’s a fundamental shift in the way the country approaches youth development and grassroots investment. Until then, fans like Gourav Roy – who drove over 9,600 kilometers across the United States to watch the World Cup semifinals and final – will continue to live in hope rather than expectation.

The clock is ticking for India to get its act together or risk being left behind forever.