The Early Years of Indian Football

India’s journey in the realm of football began during the British colonial period. The introduction of the sport led to the formation of several local clubs, with Mohun Bagan winning the IFA Shield in 1911, a significant milestone in Indian football history. Despite having a passionate fan base, India did not participate in the early World Cup competitions.

Post-Independence and Olympic Participation

Post-independence, the Indian football team gained significant recognition with their performance in the Olympic Games. In 1948, India made its Olympic debut in London and narrowly lost to France. The highlight came in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where India reached the semi-finals, reaffirming their potential on the global stage. However, the World Cup remained an elusive dream as India’s focus remained primarily on the Olympics and regional tournaments.

The Decline in the Late 20th Century

The latter part of the 20th century saw a decline in Indian football’s performance and infrastructure. Administrative inefficiencies, lack of proper training facilities, and insufficient investment in grassroots development were significant hurdles. The Indian football scenario was primarily overshadowed by cricket, leading