India’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup marks a groundbreaking moment in the nation’s sporting history. For a country passionate about sports like cricket and field hockey, this achievement signals a pivotal shift towards embracing football on a larger scale. This remarkable feat didn’t come overnight; it is the result of years of relentless effort, systematic planning, and significant investments in football infrastructure, youth development programs, and the promotion of the sport.
For decades, India’s football scene has been relatively underdeveloped compared to the global powerhouse sports like cricket. However, football has always had underlying support, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa. The formation of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2013 served as a significant catalyst for change, bringing in higher levels of competition, international exposure, and significant financial investments. The ISL has managed to capture the imagination of millions, blending Indian talent with renowned international players and coaches to elevate the quality of the game nationwide.
Grassroots programs have been a crucial element in India’s historical qualification. Initiatives by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and various NGOs have focused on building grassroots infrastructure and offering young talents the requisite training and exposure from a tender age. These efforts have been complemented by international collaborations