Over the past decade, Indian football has witnessed unprecedented growth. From the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014 to the mushrooming of football academies and increasing investments by clubs, the sport is no longer a niche pastime. However, while these developments have sparked optimism about the future, the Indian national team continues to struggle on the global stage. This paradox is rooted in several factors that, despite progress, still hold Indian football back.
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A League of Their Own: The Rise of the ISL: The ISL has undeniably transformed the footballing landscape in India. By bringing in international stars, albeit mostly in the twilight of their careers, the league has elevated the profile of the sport. Iconic players like Alessandro Del Piero, Nicolas Anelka, and Diego Forlán, among others, have graced Indian pitches, inspiring a new generation of footballers and fans alike. Furthermore, the league’s competitive structure, professional management, and extensive media coverage have fostered a vibrant football culture.
In tandem with the ISL, grassroots initiatives and academies have flourished. Global footballing giants like Paris Saint Germain, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool and others have opened their academies across India to transfer their expertise to Indian talents. These initiatives have led to a more structured approach to player development, reflected in the improved performances of Indian teams in regional competitions like the SAFF Championship.
The Elephant in the Room: Why Is India Still Struggling? Despite these advancements, the Indian national team has not made significant headway in global rankings or competitions. Currently languishing outside the top 100 in FIFA rankings, the team struggles to compete against even middle-tier Asian sides. Several factors contribute to this stagnation.
Limited Exposure to High-Quality Football: One critical issue is the lack of Indian players plying their trade in foreign leagues. While the ISL and I-League provide ample domestic opportunities, they fall short of the quality and intensity found in leagues abroad. Indian footballers often choose to stay home due to lucrative contracts and the promise of regular national team appearances. However, this comfort zone hinders their development.
Players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Aditi Chauhan have shown the value of foreign exposure. Gurpreet became the first Indian to play in a UEFA Europa League match while at Norway’s Stabæk FC, and Aditi gained invaluable experience playing in England’s top-tier women’s league. Their time abroad honed their skills, enhanced their tactical understanding, and elevated their performance levels. Yet, such examples remain exceptions rather than the rule.
Infrastructural and Tactical Shortcomings: Another glaring issue is the disparity in infrastructure and coaching standards. While urban centers boast state-of-the-art facilities, many regions still lack basic amenities. The quality of coaching, especially at the grassroots level, is inconsistent, often focusing more on physical fitness than tactical acumen or technical skills.
Furthermore, Indian football has historically suffered from an overreliance on a defensive, reactive style of play. This conservative approach limits creativity and dynamism, traits that are crucial for success on the international stage. Despite recent efforts to adopt a more attacking philosophy under coaches like Igor Štimac, the transition has been slow.
Cultural and Societal Challenges: Football in India still plays second fiddle to cricket, the nation’s sporting obsession. While the ISL has made strides in popularising the sport, cricket continues to dominate the imagination of young athletes, leaving football to compete for talent and resources. Additionally, societal attitudes often discourage young players from pursuing professional football as a viable career path, further thinning the talent pool.
The Way Forward: Bridging the Gap: To enhance the quality of football in India and elevate the national team’s success on the international stage, a multi-pronged approach involving the Indian government and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is essential. This strategy should encompass grassroots development, coaching education, data-driven talent identification, and infrastructure enhancement.
Let's start at the beginning – the grassroots. The AIFF needs to lead the charge in making football a part of childhood for as many kids as possible. Imagine village football programs sprouting up all over the country, scouting for talent in every nook and cranny. This isn't just about finding the next star; it's about making football a sport for everyone, no matter their background. By getting local communities and schools on board, we can build a thriving environment where young players can grow and fall in love with the game.
And let's not forget about inclusivity. We need to make sure that football is a sport for all, especially for women and those from marginalised communities. Special programs to get girls into football will help us build a more diverse and talented pool of players. The government has a big role to play here, too, by throwing its financial and resource support behind these efforts. Take Meghalaya, for example, with its exciting Local Football Club Support Scheme as part of Mission Football 2.0. It's all about giving local clubs the financial boost they need to improve facilities and get more people involved in the sport.
Now, let's talk about coaching. Our coaches are the backbone of player development, and they need to be at the top of their game. That means continuous learning and staying in touch with the latest global trends. Teaming up with international football bodies can open doors to new training techniques and knowledge. And let's make sure that only the best coaches are working with our young players by setting up a solid licensing system.
But we can't stop there. We need a way to keep track of all this talent we're nurturing. A centralised database that follows players' progress through different academies will be a game-changer. It'll help us spot the next big thing early on, with data on everything from fitness levels to mental toughness.
Lastly, we need to encourage our players to spread their wings and play abroad. There's so much to learn from competing in foreign leagues. The AIFF and clubs can make this happen by building bridges with international clubs, setting up exchange programs, and inviting scouts to discover the hidden gems in Indian football.
Indian football stands at a crossroads. The progress made in recent years has laid a strong foundation, but realising the sport’s true potential will require bold decisions and collective effort. Indian players must step out of their comfort zones and seek challenges abroad, just as pioneers like Gurpreet and Aditi have done. Only then can the national team hope to bridge the gap between promise and performance, ensuring that India takes its rightful place on the global footballing map.
(The author is an Economic Affairs Analyst at Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi. All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)