Football, though not as popular as cricket, has been steadily growing in India over the past decade. The introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014 has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the sport. The ISL has attracted international players and coaches, and its high-profile matches have brought Indian football into the limelight.

The 2023-24 ISL season saw Mumbai City FC clinch the title, thanks to a stellar performance from their captain, Rahul Bheke, and the tactical genius of their coach, Des Buckingham. The ISL has not only improved the quality of football in India but has also provided a platform for young Indian players to compete at a higher level. Players like Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Sahal Abdul Samad are some of the emerging stars who have benefited from the ISL.

India’s national football team, under coach Igor Štimac, has shown steady progress. The team’s performance in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup was commendable, with India reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 1964. Sunil Chhetri, the talismanic captain of the Indian team, continues to inspire the next generation, while players like Anirudh Thapa and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are stepping up as future leaders.

Football’s popularity is growing, especially among the youth in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa, where the sport has deep historical roots. Grassroots programs like the Reliance Foundation Young Champs and the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) youth development initiatives are working to nurture talent from a young age.

The challenge for Indian football remains the development of infrastructure and consistent international exposure. However, with the ISL’s success and growing interest at the grassroots level, there is hope that India can one day become a footballing powerhouse in Asia.