Association football is one of the most popular sports in India.[5][6] The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the first FIFA event the country hosted. It was called the most successful FIFA U-17 World Cup ever, with a record-breaking attendance of 1,347,133, exceeding China's record of 1,230,976 from 1985. India also hosted the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and bid to host the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[7]

Football in India
CountryIndia
Governing bodyAll India Football Federation (AIFF)
(formed in 1937, joined FIFA in 1948)[1]
National team(s)India Men's
India Women's
India U-23 Men's
India U-20 Men's
India U-20 Women's
India U-17 Men's
India U-17 Women's
India Futsal Men's
Futsal Women's
India Beach soccer Men's
India Esports
Nickname(s)The Blue Tigers/Tigresses
First played1800s
National competitions
List
Club competitions
List
International competitions
List
Audience records
Single match131,781
(1997 Federation Cup Semifinal: East Bengal F.C. VS Mohun Bagan A.C. at Salt Lake Stadium)[4]

The Indian national football team qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup but did not participate.[8]

History

edit

Pre-independence

edit

British soldiers introduced football into India in the mid-nineteenth century.[9][10] Games were initially played between army teams but clubs were soon set up around the country. In 1872, Calcutta FC was the first football club to be established, though the side may have originated as a rugby club that switched codes as late as 1894. Other early clubs include Dalhousie AC, Traders Club and Naval Volunteers Club.[11] Several other football clubs such as Sovabazar, Mohun Bagan and Aryan Club were established in Calcutta in the 1890s. Calcutta was then the capital of British India and soon became the hub of football. Tournaments like the Gladstone Cup, the Trades Cup and the Cooch Behar Cup were started around this time.[12] The Durand Cup and IFA Shield were both started in the late nineteenth century.

The first Indian team to achieve success was Sovabazar Club, which won the Trades Cup in 1892.[13] Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, which was set up in modern-day West Bengal in 1889, became famous in 1911 when it became the first Indian team to win the IFA Shield, a tournament previously won only by British teams based in India.[14] They defeated East Yorkshire Regiment 2–1 in the tournament's final in a victory that is still regarded as one of the greatest win by an Indian football team before independence.[15]

 
Players of Baroda Football Club, an Indian-European team, 1910–11.

The Indian Football Association (IFA) was established in Calcutta in 1893 but had no Indians on its board until the 1930s. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the national governing body of football in India, was formed in 1937 but did not become affiliated with FIFA until at least a decade later. India insisted on playing barefoot whereas other national sides wore boots.[16] Footballer Jyotish Chandra Guha brought global attention to Indian football when he became the first Indian to appear with the English Football League club Arsenal in 1930.[17]

The golden age

edit

India qualified by default for the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil because all of their scheduled opponents withdrew. India did not compete in the tournament. It was not because of a lack of financial assistance, particularly to purchase tickets for the sea journey, or because the team were not allowed to play barefoot.[16][18] According to sports journalist Jaydeep Basu, the financial barrier was solved as state associations provided financial help to the AIFF and that FIFA also promised to provide money.[8]

FIFA had imposed a rule banning barefoot play following the 1948 Olympics where India had played barefoot. According to then-captain Shailen Manna, this story was circulated to justify the AIFF's decision to not participate. Since 1950, the Indian national team has not come close to qualifying for the World Cup.[18][19][20][21] The AIFF had organised training is Calcutta for the 1950 World Cup and the board organised a series of meetings relating to India's participation but was not able to reach a decision. One to two weeks before the World Cup, the AIFF resorted to coming up with excuses to abandon the World Cup trip. This did not face much criticism in 1948 because the FIFA World Cup was not as popular as it is now.[8]

1951–1962 is widely considered the "golden age" of Indian football. In this period, the national team won numerous titles under the coaching of Syed Abdul Rahim. India won the gold medal in the first Asian Games in 1951, beating Iran by one goal. In 1956, no longer playing barefoot, India reached the semi-final in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, becoming the first Asian country to do so and ranking fourth in the tournament. In 1962, India again won the gold in the Asian Games at Jakarta, defeating South Korea 2–1.[16] India also won the Merdeka Cup and the Quadrangular Tournament, while East Bengal garnered good reviews after touring Romania. Also in 1951, India achieved their highest World Football Elo Rating of 31. According to former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, India is "the sleeping giant of world football".[22]

Decline

edit

Rahim's death in the early 1960s caused the Indian national team to gradually lose their position as a top Asian team. India has not qualified for the Olympics since 1960.[16] India qualified for their first Asian Cup in 1964 but failed to win the title.[23][24] In an international tournament at the 1970 Asian Games, India won the bronze medal after defeating Japan 1–0.[25] The Indian national team qualified for the 1984 AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1964 but failed to qualify for the knockout stage after finishing last in their group of five teams.[26]

The Indian youth team jointly won the Youth Asian Cup with Iran in 1974, the first and only title for India at the youth level.[27][28][29] In club football, on 24 September 1977, Mohun Bagan held onto a 2–2 draw at the Eden Gardens stadium in Calcutta, against a Pelé-led New York Cosmos.[30] Mohun Bagan would have won the tie had it not been for a controversial penalty awarded to the visiting team that ensured the draw.[31] The next day, the newspaper Ananda Bazar Patrika described Goutam Sarkar as "India's very own Beckenbaur".[32]

The Indian women's team as they began playing in the 1970s. In 1975, their first manager was Sushil Bhattacharya.[33][34] The Indian women's team were runners-up in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 1980 and 1983. In the 1990s, the women's team rapidly declined and a series of defeats followed. In 2009, FIFA delisted the Indian women's team from the world rankings.[35]

2007–present

edit

In August 2007, the Indian national team won the Nehru Cup for the first time, beating Syria 1–0.[36] In August of the following year, India defeated Tajikistan 4–1 to win the AFC Challenge Cup and qualified for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.[37] In August 2009, India again won the Nehru Cup, beating Syria on penalties (6–5).[38]

In January 2011, India played in the 2011 Asian Cup, the country's first Asian Cup for 24 years. India was eliminated in the group stage, which included South Korea, Australia, and Bahrain.[39]

Since the 2011 Asian Cup, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been working to improve Indian football. They allowed former coach Bob Houghton to coach the Indian team in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.[40] After going first in their AFC Challenge Cup group, Houghton was replaced by Wim Koevermans.[41] The India national under-23 football team won the first round of the 2012 Olympics qualifiers against Myanmar but were eliminated by Qatar.[42] India played their next official matches against United Arab Emirates in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which India lost on aggregate 5–2.[43]

In 2014, India hosted the first Unity World Cup in Goa, Hyderabad and Bangalore. India has participated in and hosted the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament. This was the first time a team representing India participated in the finals of a FIFA-organised world tournament. India was placed in Group A along with the United States, Ghana and Colombia.[44] On 6 October 2017, India played their first match in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in front of 47,000 people against the United States, losing the match 0–3.[45] India played their second match against Colombia. In the 82nd minute, Jeakson Singh became the first Indian goal scorer in the finals of a FIFA-organised tournament.[46] For the third match of the group stage, India played Ghana, losing the match 4–0 and finishing at the bottom of Group A.[47]

In 2018 Indian youth football teams made history by defeating Argentina U-20 2–1 in the COTIF cup, as well as Iraq U-16, the defending champions of the AFC U-16 Championship (now the AFC U-17 Championship), by 1–0. The U-16 team qualified for the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship, where they came close to qualifying for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but lost to South Korea by a single goal in the quarterfinal.[48]

The Indian national team qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after missing the 2015 edition. India beat Thailand by 4–1, their biggest-ever win at the Asia Cup and their first win in 55 years.[49][50] Nevertheless, they lost both of their next two group matches against UAE and Bahrain by 0−2 and 0−1 respectively[51][52] and finished at the bottom of the group, thus failing to move to the knockout stage.[53]

Administration

edit

Football in India is administered by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the worldwide football governing body FIFA.[54][55][56] The India national football team has entered the regional Asian Cup competition but has never competed in a World Cup. The India women's national football team has also played in competitions, and has its own inter-state and state competitions. Youth football is administered by the Sports Authority of India.

National team

edit

The India national football team is governed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and is a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for world football. In 1954, the AIFF became one of the founding members of the AFC.[54][55][57]

Performance

edit

The following list includes the performance of all of India's national teams at major competitions.

Men's senior team

edit

The Indian senior national team had several successes during their initial years but is no longer considered one of the best in Asia.[58][59] The national team's highest achievement is winning two gold medals at the Asian Games.

Tournament Appearance in finals Last
appearance
Best
performance
FIFA World Cup 0 out of 22 [60]
AFC Asian Cup 5 out of 18 2023 Runners-up (1964)
Summer Olympics (1908–1988) 4 out of 17 1960 Fourth-place (1956)
Asian Games (1951–1998) 11 out of 13 1998 Champions (1951, 1962)
SAFF Championship 14 out of 14 2023 Champions (1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023)
South Asian Games 7 out of 8 1999 Champions (1985, 1987, 1995)

Women's senior team

edit

The women's national team was started in the 1970s; they were twice runners-up in the Women's Asian Cup in the early 1980s. After the AIFF took charge of the team, they began to suffer massive defeats and declined in the late 2000s.[61][62] In the late 2010s, the AIFF revived the team to empower women's football and the team performed well in a large number of friendlies.[63] The AIFF won the hosting bid for the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Tournament Appearance in finals Last
appearance
Best
performance
AFC Women's Asian Cup 9 out of 19 2022 Runners-up (1980, 1983)
Asian Games 3 out of 9 2022 Eighth-place (1998)
SAFF Women's Championship 6 out of 6 2022 Champions (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019)
South Asian Games 3 out of 3 2019 Champions (2010, 2016, 2019)

Men's U-23 team

edit
Tournament Appearance in finals Last
appearance
Best
performance
Asian Games 4 out of 5 2014 Tenth-place (2002)
South Asian Games 4 out of 5 2016 Runners-up (2004, 2016)

Men's U-20 team

edit

Includes U-19 and U-18 teams' performance.

Tournament Appearance in finals Last
appearance
Best
performance
AFC U-20 Asian Cup 22 out of 40 2006 Champions (1974)
SAFF U-18 Championship 4 out of 4 2022 Champions (2019, 2022)

Men's U-17 team

edit

Includes U-16 and U-15 teams' performance.

Tournament Finals
appearance
Last
appearance
Best
performance
FIFA U-17 World Cup 1 out of 19 2017 Group stage (2017)
AFC U-17 Asian Cup 8 out of 18 2018 Quarterfinals (2002, 2018)
SAFF U-15 Championship 7 out of 7 2022 Champions (2013, 2017, 2019, 2022)

Women's U-20 team

edit

Includes U-19 and U-18 teams' performance.

Tournament Finals
appearance
Last
appearance
Best
performance
AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 3 out of 10 2006 Quarterfinals (2004)
SAFF U-18 Women's Championship 3 out of 4 2023 Champions (2022)

Women's U-17 team

edit

Includes U-16 and U-15 teams' performance.

Tournament Finals
appearance
Last
appearance
Best
performance
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 1 out of 7 2022 Group stage (2022)
AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 1 out of 8 2005 Group stage (2005)
SAFF U-15 Women's Championship 3 out of 4 2019 Champions (2018, 2019)

State federations and leagues

edit

There are currently 36 state associations and 2 affiliates associations with the All India Football Federation.[64]

Full members

edit
No. Association State/UT President
1 All Manipur Football Association Manipur M. Ratan Kumar Singh
2 Andaman and Nicobar Football Association Andaman and Nicobar Islands Vidya Prakash Krishna
3 Andhra Pradesh Football Association Andhra Pradesh Gopalakrishna Kosaraju
4 Arunachal Pradesh Football Association Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu
5 Assam Football Association Assam Naba Kumar Doley
6 Bihar Football Association Bihar Prasenjeet Mehta
7 Chandigarh Football Association Chandigarh K. P. Singh
8 Chhattisgarh Football Association Chhattisgarh Ajay Chandrakar
9 Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Football Association Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
10 Football Association of Odisha Odisha Debashish Samantaray
11 Football Delhi Delhi Saraftullah (acting)
12 Goa Football Association Goa Caitano Fernandes
13 Gujarat State Football Association Gujarat Parimal Nathwani
14 Haryana Football Association Haryana Suraj Pal
15 Himachal Pradesh Football Association Himachal Pradesh Baldev Singh Tomar
16 Indian Football Association West Bengal Ajit Banerjee
17 Jammu and Kashmir Football Association Jammu and Kashmir Wasim Aslam
18 Jharkhand Football Association Jharkhand Mithlesh Kumar Thakur
19 Karnataka State Football Association Karnataka N. A. Haris
20 Kerala Football Association Kerala Tom Jose
21 Ladakh Football Association Ladakh Tashi Namgail
22 Lakshadweep Football Association Lakshadweep K. Mohammed Ali
23 Madhya Pradesh Football Association Madhya Pradesh Trilok Chand Kochar
24 Meghalaya Football Association Meghalaya Larsing Ming Sawyan
25 Mizoram Football Association Mizoram Lal Thanzara
26 Nagaland Football Association Nagaland Neibou Sekhose
27 Pondicherry Football Association Puducherry D. Nestor
28 Punjab Football Association Punjab Samir Thapar
29 Rajasthan Football Association Rajasthan Manvendra Singh
30 Sikkim Football Association Sikkim Menla Ethenpa
31 Tamil Nadu Football Association Tamil Nadu Jesiah Villavarayar
32 Telangana Football Association Telangana Mohammed Ali Rafath
33 Tripura Football Association Tripura Ratan Saha
34 Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh Uttar Pradesh Arvind Menon
35 Uttarakhand State Football Association Uttarakhand Amandeep Sandhu
36 Western India Football Association Maharashtra Praful Patel

Affiliate members

edit
No. Association Department President
1 Railways Sports Promotion Board Indian Railways D. K. Gayen
2 Services Sports Control Board Indian Armed Forces Dinesh Suri

State Leagues list

edit

Football in modern India

edit

International football

edit

 

International football in India generally takes place between September and November according to FIFA men's match calendar,[65] and between February-July/October-December for women.[66] The Indian national football team has also provided some of the greatest players, the example of which is Sunil Chhetri.

Domestic football

edit

Men's

edit
  • Swami Vivekananda NFC (U20)

Club competitions

edit

As of 2023, India has four national-level leagues. The Indian Super League is the top league, followed by I-League, I-League 2 and I-League 3. I-League 3 currently acts as a final round for the top teams in the state leagues that are nominated by state football associations. India has several cup tournaments, including the Durand Cup, Super Cup and IFA Shield.[83][84]

System evolution

edit
Men's
Level Years
1888–1893 1893–1898 1898–1941 1941–1977 1977–1996 1996–1997 1997–2001 2001–2006 2006–2007 2007–2011 2011–2014 2014–2017 2017–2022 2022–2023 2023–present
1893 1937
National leagues 1 None Formation of Indian Football Association (IFA) Calcutta Football League Formation of All India Football Federation (AIFF) Santosh Trophy National Football League I-League Indian Super League Indian Super League
I-League
2 None None NFL Second Division I-League 2nd Division I-League
3 None NFL Third Division Discontinued I-League 2
4 None I-League 3
Regional leagues 5–11 State leagues
Cup competitions Durand Cup
Federation Cup Super Cup
Indian Super Cup Discontinued
Women's
Level Years
1937 1991–2016 2016–2023 2023-present
National leagues 1 Formation of
All India Football Federation (AIFF)
Senior Women's National Football Championship Indian Women's League
2 None Indian Women's League 2
Regional leagues 3– State leagues


Leagues

edit
  • Tier 1: Indian Super League- The I-League, which was promised to be a professional league, soon lost popularity due to poor marketing.[85] A deal between Zee Sports and the AIFF, which was initially to be a ten-year term in 2006, was terminated in 2010 after a disagreement between the parties. The AIFF then signed a 700-crore deal with Reliance Industries and the International Management Group (IMG) on 9 December 2010.[86] The Indian Super League (ISL) was officially launched on 21 October 2013 by IMG–Reliance Industries, Star Sports, and the AIFF to grow the sport of football in India and increase its exposure in the country with big names and professionalism.[87] Large corporations, Bollywood stars and cricketers between them bought eight franchises.[88]In 2017, the AFC opposed allowing the ISL to become the main league in India, but the I-League clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan wanted a complete merger of the ISL and I-League.[89] Two weeks later, the AIFF proposed the Indian Super League and I-League would simultaneously run on a short–term basis, with the I-League winner qualifying for the AFC Champions League and the ISL champion reaching the AFC Cup qualification stage.[90] The AFC approved this proposal on 25 July 2017, with the ISL replacing the domestic cup competition, the Federation Cup, which was a true knockout cup competition.[91]
  • Tier 2: I-League- Starting in the 2022–2023 season, I-League lost its top-tier status. The champions of the 2022–23 I-League, Punjab FC, were promoted to the ISL with no participation fee. As per the AFC's recommendation for 2024–2025, it was agreed the AIFF would fully implement promotion and relegation between the two leagues.[92]As of 2024, there have been two promotions from the I-League to the ISL but the relegation system is yet to be implemented.
  • Tier 3: I-League 2- After demoting I-League to the second tier status in Indian football, I-League 2 was subsequently demoted to the third tier. AIFF renamed the 2nd Division to I-League 2 to avoid disambiguation.[93] I-League and I-League 2 follow both promotion and relegation within the two leagues.
  • Tier 4: I-League 3- I-League 3 is set to serve as a platform for state champions and state-nominated teams.[94][95][96] No ISL reserve teams can be a part of I-League 2 or I-League 3.[97]
  • Tier 5–10: Indian State Leagues- There are currently a total of 36 state associations (including union territories) affiliated with the AIFF.[98] These state associations are affiliated with state leagues. The top teams of state leagues are eligible to apply for I-League 3. Some state leagues have multiple divisions and a promotion/relegation system between these divisions. Calcutta Football League in West Bengal is the oldest state league and has the highest number of divisions (six divisions) with a promotion/relegation system in place.[99]
  • Youth League (U-17/U-15/U-13)- The Youth League is a system of youth football leagues that are managed, organised and controlled by the All India Football Federation. It consists of 3 age groups competitions: U17 (AIFF Youth League), U15 (Junior League) and U13 (Sub-Junior League).

Cups

edit
List of All India football tournaments
Competition Organizer Host city/state
Durand Cup DFTS (Durand Football Tournament Society) & AIFF Various
Super Cup AIFF Various

Champions overview

edit

The competitions currently active in Indian football in the 2023–24 season.

State competition
Tournament Current champions
Santosh Trophy Services
National Games (Men) Services
Swami Vivekananda NFC (U20) Delhi
Junior NFC (U19) Mizoram
Sub-Junior NFC (U16) Meghalaya
National Beach Soccer Championship Kerala
Club competition
Tournament Current champions
Indian Super League
I-League Mohammedan
I-League 2 Sporting Bengaluru
I-League 3 Sporting Goa
Super Cup East Bengal
Durand Cup North East United
Youth League (U-17) Classic FA
Youth League (U-15) Minerva Academy
Youth League (U-13) Reliance Foundation Young Champs
Futsal Club Championship Corbett

Women's domestic football

edit

Club competitions

edit
  • Tier 3–5: Indian State Leagues: There are currently a total of 36 state associations (including union territories) affiliated with the AIFF.[117] The top teams of state leagues are eligible to apply for Indian Women's League 2. Karnataka Women's League has the highest number of divisions (3), with a promotion/relegation system in place.

Champions overview

edit

The competitions currently active in Indian football in the 2023–24 season.

State competition
Tournament Current champions
Rajmata Jijabai Senior Women's NFC Manipur
National Games (Women) Odisha
Junior Girl's NFC (U19) Manipur
Sub-Junior Girl's NFC (U17) Jharkhand
Club competition
Tournament Current champions
Indian Women's League Odisha
Indian Women's League 2 Sreebhumi

Qualification for Asian competitions

edit
Competition Qualifying team Notes
AFC Champions League Two Premiers of Indian Super League Qualification to the Group stage
AFC Champions League Two Winners of Super Cup Qualification to the Qualifying play-off
AFC Women's Champions League Champions of Indian Women's League Qualification to the Preliminary Stage

Stadiums

edit

As of 2023, few of India's national football stadiums meet current world standards. The largest football stadiums in India are the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata with a seating capacity of 68,000 and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi with a capacity of over 60,000. The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar are major arenas for football events in Odisha. In Sikkim, the 30,000-capacity Paljor Stadium in Gangtok is famous as one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world because of its backdrop of the Himalayas. The main stadium in Shillong is the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a capacity of 30,000 standing. Both the Paljor and the JLN in Shillong have been renovated with artificial playing surfaces. Some other important stadiums are the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, Barasat Stadium in Barasat, the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, the Kaloor International Stadium in Kochi, the Municipal Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Guwahati and the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. There are hundreds of other stadiums in the country. The following stadiums are affiliated by All India Football Federation.[118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128][129]

Tenants Name City State Capacity Image
East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Salt Lake Stadium Bidhannagar West Bengal 68,000  
Punjab FC Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Delhi Delhi 60,254  
Greenfield International Stadium Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 50,000  
Gokulam Kerala FC EMS Stadium Kozhikode Kerala 50,000
DY Patil Stadium Navi Mumbai Maharastra 45,300  
Birsa Munda Football Stadium Ranchi Jharkhand 40,000  
Kerala Blasters Kaloor Stadium Kochi Kerala 40,000  
Chennaiyin FC Marina Arena Chennai Tamil Nadu 40,000  
Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium Kollam Kerala 40,000  
Mangala Stadium Mangalore Karnataka 40,000  
Kanchenjunga Stadium Siliguri West Bengal 40,000  

Note.denotes stadiums that have hosted international football matches.

International competitions hosted

edit
Competition Edition Winner Final Runners-up India's position Venues Final venue Stadium
Men's senior competitions
Asian Games Football at the 1951 Asian Games   India
1 – 0
  Iran Champions 1 (in 1 city) Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium  
Asian Games Football at the 1982 Asian Games   Iraq
1 – 0
  Kuwait Quarterfinals 3 (in 1 cities) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi)  
AFC Challenge Cup 2008 AFC Challenge Cup   India   Tajikistan Champions 3 (in 2 cities) Ambedkar Stadium  
SAFF Championship 1999 South Asian Football Federation Gold Cup   India
2 – 0
  Bangladesh Champions 1 ( in 1 city) Fatorda Stadium  
SAFF Championship 2011 SAFF Championship   India   Afghanistan Champions 1 (in 1 city) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi)  
SAFF Championship 2015 SAFF Championship   India   Afghanistan Champions 1 (in 1 city) Greenfield International Stadium  
SAFF Championship 2023 SAFF Championship   India
(5 – 4 pen.)
  Kuwait Champions 1 (in 1 city) Sree Kanteerava Stadium  
Men's youth competitions
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup   England
5 – 2
  Spain Group stage 6 (in 6 cities) Salt Lake Stadium  
AFC U-19 Championship 2006 AFC Youth Championship   North Korea
1 – 1
(5 – 3 pen.)
  Japan Group stage 4 (in 2 cities) Salt Lake Stadium  
AFC U-16 Championship 2016 AFC U-16 Championship   Iraq
0 – 0
(4 – 3 pen.)
  Iran Group stage 2 (in 2 cities) Fatorda Stadium  
SAFF U-15 Championship 2019 SAFF U-15 Championship   India
7 – 0
    Nepal Champions 1 (in 1 city) Kalyani Stadium  
SAFF U-20 Championship 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship   India
5 – 2 (a.e.t)
  Bangladesh Champions 1 (in 1 city) Kalinga Stadium  
Women's senior competitions
AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup   China
3 – 2
  South Korea Withdrew (due to Covid-19 breakout) 3 (in 3 cities) DY Patil Stadium  
SAFF Women's Championship 2016 SAFF Women's Championship   India
3 – 1
  Bangladesh Champions 1 (in 1 city) Kanchenjunga Stadium  
Women's youth competitions
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup   Spain
1 – 0
  Colombia Group stage 3 (in 3 cities) DY Patil Stadium  

Nehru Cup

edit

The Nehru Cup was an international invitational association football tournament organised by the AIFF and named after the First Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.[130]

Editions Winners
1982   Uruguay
1983   Hungary
1984   Poland
1985   Soviet Union
1986   Soviet Union
1987   Soviet Union
1988   Soviet Union
1989   Hungary
1991   Romania
1993   North Korea
1995   Iraq
1997   Iraq
2007   India
2009   India
2012   India

Tri-Nation Series

edit

The Tri-Nation Series is a three-team football tournament organised by the AIFF. The first edition was held in 2017.[131]

Editions Winners
2017   India
2023   India

Intercontinental Cup

edit

The Intercontinental Cup is a four-team association football tournament organised by the AIFF. The first edition was held in 2018.[132]

Editions Winners
2018   India
2019   North Korea
2023   India

Performance in international competitions

edit

Men's team

edit

A red box around the year indicates tournaments played within India

FIFA World Cup

edit

India has never played in the finals of the FIFA World Cup.[8] After gaining independence in 1947, India managed to qualify for the World Cup held in 1950.[133] This was due to Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines withdrawing from qualification round.[8] However, prior to the start of the tournament, India withdrew due to the expenses required in getting the team to Brazil.[8] But this reason was untrue because FIFA was ready to give money to India (AIFF) for their trip to Brazil.[134] Other reasons cited for why India withdrew include FIFA not allowing Indian players to play in the tournament barefoot and the All India Football Federation not considering the FIFA World Cup an important tournament compared to the Olympics.[135][8][136]

After withdrawing from the 1950 FIFA World Cup, India did not enter the qualifying rounds of the tournament between 1954 and 1982.[137] Since the 1986 qualifiers, with the exception of the 1990 edition of the tournament, the team participated in World Cup qualification, but has yet to qualify for the finals again.[137]

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA Ref.
  1930
to
  1938
Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
  1950 Qualified, withdrew Qualified by default [138]
  1954 Denied by FIFA Denied by FIFA [139]
  1958
to
  1982
Did not enter Did not enter
  1986 Did not qualify 6 2 3 1 7 6 [140]
  1990 Withdrew from qualification [141]
  1994 8 1 1 6 8 22 [142]
  1998 3 1 1 1 3 7 [143]
    2002 6 3 2 1 11 5 [144]
  2006 6 1 1 4 2 18 [145]
  2010 2 0 1 1 3 6 [146]
  2014 2 0 1 1 2 5 [147]
  2018 8 2 1 7 7 18 [148]
  2022 8 1 4 3 6 7 [149]
      2026 6 1 2 3 3 7
      2030 To be determined To be determined
  2034
Total 0/20 0 0 0 0 0 0 57 12 17 28 52 101

AFC Asian Cup

edit
 
Indian players celebrating with fans after winning a match at 2019 AFC Asian Cup

India has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup five times. The team played their first Asian Cup in 1964. The team managed to qualify following other nations' refusal to play against India due to political reasons.[23][24] India managed to finish the tournament as runners-up to hosts Israel, with Inder Singh finishing as joint top-scorer.[24] Since then, India has failed to progress beyond the first round of the Asian Cup, with their participation at the 1984[150] and 2011 Asian Cups,[151] and most recently the 2019 Asian Cup.[53]

In June 2022, India qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup after winning all the matches in the third round of 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification. This is the first time ever India qualified consecutively for the continental championship.

AFC Asian Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA Ref.
  1956 Did not enter Did not enter
  1960 Did not qualify 6 2 0 4 7 9 [152]
  1964 Runners-up 2nd 3 2 0 1 5 3 Squad Qualified by default [153]
  1968 Did not qualify 3 0 1 2 2 6 [154]
  1972 Did not enter Did not enter [155]
  1976 [156]
  1980 [157]
  1984 Group stage 10th 4 0 1 3 0 7 Squad 4 3 0 1 8 2 [158]
  1988 Did not qualify 5 0 1 4 0 6 [159]
  1992 2 1 0 1 2 3 [160]
  1996 2 0 0 2 3 12 [161]
  2000 4 1 1 2 8 9 [162]
  2004 2 0 1 1 1 3 [163]
        2007 6 0 0 6 2 24 [164]
  2011 Group stage 16th 3 0 0 3 3 13 Squad AFC Challenge Cup [165]
  2015 Did not qualify [166]
  2019 Group stage 17th 3 1 0 2 4 4 Squad 18 8 2 8 25 24 [167]
  2023 Group stage 24th 3 0 0 3 0 6 Squad 11 4 4 3 14 8 [168]
  2027 To be determined 6 1 2 3 3 7
Totals Runners-up 2nd 16 3 1 12 12 33 69 20 13 36 76 113

Summer Olympics

edit
 
Talimeren Ao on the left, leading the Indian team to Cricklefield Stadium to play against France in 1948

India competed in four straight Olympic football tournaments between 1948 and 1960.[169] Their sole 1948 Olympics match against France was also India's first ever international match since the country gained independence in 1947. During the match, a majority of the Indian side played barefoot. The match ended in a 2–1 defeat, with Sarangapani Raman scoring the lone goal for India. India then returned to the Olympics four years later where they took on Yugoslavia in the preliminary rounds. The team suffered a 10–1 defeat, India's largest margin of defeat in a competitive match, and were knocked out.[170]

Four years later, during the 1956 Olympics, India managed to reach the semi-finals and finish fourth. After India's first round opponents, Hungary, withdrew from the tournament, the team played against hosts Australia in the quarter-finals. A Neville D'Souza hat-trick, the first by an Asian footballer in the Olympics, helped India win 4–2.[171] However, in the semi-finals, India once again suffered defeat against Yugoslavia, going down 4–1. In the bronze medal match, India were defeated 3–0 by Bulgaria.[171]

In 1960, India competed in Group D with Hungary, France and Peru. India ended the group in last place, drawing once.[172] India have since failed to qualify for another Olympic games.

Summer Olympics record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA Ref.
  1908 to   1936 Did not enter Did not enter
  1948 Round 1 11th 1 0 0 1 1 2 Squad Qualified automatically [173]
  1952 Preliminaries 25th 1 0 0 1 1 10 Squad Qualified automatically [174]
  1956 Semi-finals 4th 3 1 0 2 5 9 Squad Bye [175]
  1960 Round 1 13th 3 0 1 2 3 6 Squad 3 3 0 0 11 4 [176]
  1964 to   1988 Did not qualify 20 6 1 13 34 38
  1992–present See India national U-23 team See India national U-23 team
Totals Semi-finals 4th 8 1 1 6 10 27 23 9 1 13 45 42

Asian Games

edit
 
Indian team celebrating after defeating South Korea in the final of 1962 Asiad at Senayan Main Stadium, Jakarta

India competed in eleven Asian Games, starting from 1951 to 1998, except the 1990 and 1994 editions.[177] In 1951 Asian Games India won their first match against Indonesia in the first round and then defeated Japan in semi-final and went on to win against Iran in the final in front of the home crowd. The achievement of the Indian team was a special one as they became the first ever Asian Games gold medalists in football.[178][179]

Though the next two tournaments proved to be less successful for the team, they bounced back by winning gold at the 1962 Asian games by defeating the Asian Cup winners South Korea. The team failed to defend their title in 1966 and went on to claim the bronze medal in 1970.[180]

This was the last time India ever finished on the medal podium, the next years proved to be hard to regain their dominance as the side went through a sharp decline.[181] After two disappointing editions in 1974 and 1978, India performed much better in the 1982 Asiad, which they hosted for the second time. Due to the poor performance in 1986, the authorities decided not to send the team for the upcoming games.[182] The team made their return in 1998.

Asian Games record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Ref.
  1951 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 7 0 Squad [183]
  1954 Round 1 8th 2 1 0 1 3 6 Squad [184]
  1958 Semi-finals 4th 5 2 0 3 12 13 Squad [185]
  1962 Champions 1st 5 4 0 1 11 6 Squad [186]
  1966 Round 1 8th 3 1 0 2 4 7 Squad [187]
  1970 Third place 3rd 6 3 1 2 8 5 Squad [188]
  1974 Round 1 13th 3 0 0 3 2 14 Squad [189]
  1978 Round 2 8th 5 1 0 4 5 13 Squad [190]
  1982 Quarter-finals 6th 4 2 1 1 5 3 Squad [191]
  1986 Round 1 16th 3 0 0 3 1 8 Squad [192]
  1990 Did not enter
  1994
  1998 Round 2 16th 5 1 0 4 3 8 Squad [193]
  2002–present See India national U-23 team
Totals 2 titles 1st 44 18 2 24 61 83

SAFF Championship

edit

India has been the most successful team in the competition, winning overall eight titles.[194] The team played in the knockout stage of every tournament except in 1993, when the tournament was in a league format.[195] The team also boasts a prestigious record of claiming medal at every championship played so far.[196] India has played in the final of every championship except the 2003, tournament where they claimed bronze medal.[197][198]

SAFF Championship record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Ref.
  1993 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 4 1 [199]
  1995 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 2 1 2 3 Squad [200]
  1997 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 12 3 [201]
  1999 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 6 1 Squad [202]
  2003 Third place 3rd 5 2 1 2 8 5 Squad [203]
  2005 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 9 2 Squad [204]
    2008 Runners-up 2nd 5 4 0 1 9 3 Squad [205]
  2011 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 16 2 Squad [206]
  2013 Runners-up 2nd 5 2 1 2 4 5 Squad [207]
  2015 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 11 4 Squad [208]
  2018 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 8 3 Squad [209]
  2021 Champions 1st 5 3 2 0 8 2 Squad [210]
  2023 Champions 1st 5 2 3 0 8 2 Squad [211]
Totals 8 titles 1st 57 36 14 7 105 36

South Asian Games

edit

India has participated in every edition of senior football at the South Asian Games, except in 1984. The team emerged as champions in 1985, 1987, and 1995. They also took home silver in 1993, and bronze medals in 1989 and 1995.[212]

South Asian Games record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Ref.
  1984 Did not enter
  1985 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 6 1 [213]
  1987 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 6 0 [214]
  1989 Third place 3rd 3 2 1 0 5 3 [215]
  1991 Group stage 6th 2 0 1 1 1 2 [216]
  1993 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2 0 6 4 [217]
  1995 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 5 0 [218]
  1999 Third place 3rd 5 4 0 1 15 4 [219]
  2004–present See India national U-20 team & India national U-23 team
Totals 3 titles 1st 22 14 6 2 44 14

Other/Defunct tournaments

edit
Other/Defunct Tournaments
Nehru Cup AFC Challenge Cup Intercontinental Cup Tri-Nation Series


Women's team

edit

FIFA Women's World Cup

edit
FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA GD
  1991 Did not enter
  1995
  1999 Did not qualify
  2003
  2007
  2011 Did not enter
  2015 Did not qualify
  2019
   2023 Withdrew from qualification
  2027 To be determined
Total 0/9 - - - - - - - -
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Olympic Games

edit
Summer Olympics record
Year Round GP W D L GF GA GD
  1996
to   2004
Did not enter
  2008 Did not qualify
  2012
  2016
  2020
  2024
  2028 To be determined
  2032
Total 0/8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

AFC Women's Asian Cup

edit
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
At 1979 AFC Asia Cup India placed two teams, India Senior (India S) and India Novice (India N), in other version called as India North and India South.

Asian Games

edit
  • DNQ: did not qualify
Bold positions show best finish in the tournaments.

SAFF Women's Championship

edit

India has won the SAFF Women's Championship five times in a row.[221]

SAFF Women's Championship record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA GD
  2010 Winners   5 5 0 0 40 0 +40
  2012 Winners   5 5 0 0 33 1 +32
  2014 Winners   5 5 0 0 36 1 +35
  2016 Winners   4 3 1 0 11 3 +8
  2019 Winners   4 4 0 0 18 1 +17
  2022 Semi-final   4 2 0 2 12 4 +8
  2024 TBD TBD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 6/6 5 Titles 27 24 1 2 150 10 +140

South Asian Games

edit

India has won the South Asian Games three times.

South Asian Games record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA GD
  2010 Winners   5 5 0 0 29 2 +27
  2016 Winners   5 3 2 0 14 1 +13
  2019 Winners   4 4 0 0 14 0 +14
Total 3/3 3 Titles 14 12 2 0 57 3 +54

Red border indicates, India had hosted the games.

Other tournaments

edit
Other Tournaments
Gold Cup Turkish Women's Cup Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino

Football broadcast in India

edit

Domestic competitions

edit

List of current broadcasters.

Competition Television rights Streaming rights Ref.
Conglomerate Channel(s) Conglomerate Platform
Santosh Trophy
None
FIFA FIFA+ [223]
Senior Women's NFC
None
SportsKPI [224]
National Beach Soccer Championship Indian Football [225]

Club football

edit

List of current broadcasters.

Competition Television rights Streaming rights Ref.
Conglomerate Channel(s) Conglomerate Platform
Indian Super League Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 JioCinema [226]
I-League WBD India Eurosport Dream Sports FanCode [227]
Indian Football
I-League 2
None
Indian Football [228]
I-League 3
None
[229]
Indian Women's League
None
[230]
IWL 2nd Division
None
Super Cup
None
Viacom18 JioCinema [231]
Durand Cup SPNI Sony Sports SPNI SonyLIV [232]
Futsal Club Championship
None
Dream Sports FanCode [233]


International competitions

edit

List of current broadcasters.

Competition Television rights Streaming rights Ref.
Conglomerate Channel(s) Conglomerate Platform
Intercontinental Cup Disney India Star Sports Disney India Disney+ Hotstar [234]
Reliance Jio TV
Tri-Nation Series Disney India Star Sports Disney India Disney+ Hotstar [235]

International football

edit

List of current broadcasters.

Federation

(or) Confederation

Competition Television rights Streaming rights Ref.
Conglomerate Channel(s) Conglomerate Platform
FIFA FIFA World Cup/FIFA Futsal World Cup Viacom18 Sports18 & MTV Viacom18 JioCinema [236][237]
Reliance Jio TV
FIFA U-20 World Cup
None
FIFA FIFA+ [238]
FIFA U-17 World Cup
None
Dream Sports FanCode [239]
FIFA Women's World Cup Prasar Bharati DD Sports Dream Sports FanCode [240]
FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 Voot [241]
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Reliance Jio TV [242]
AFC AFC Asian Cup Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 JioCinema [243]
AFC Asian Cup qualifiers SPNI/ Viacom18 Sony Sports/Sports18 SPNI/ Viacom18 SonyLIV/JioCinema [244][a]
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – AFC
AFC U-23 Asian Cup None Dream Sports FanCode [247]
AFC U-20 Asian Cup None Reliance Jio TV [248]
AFC U-17 Asian Cup [249]
AFC Women's Asian Cup WBD India Eurosport WBD India Discovery+ [250]
Reliance Jio TV
AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup None Dream Sports FanCode [247]
AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup [247]
SAFF SAFF Championship Prasar Bharati DD Sports Dream Sports FanCode [251][252]
SAFF U-20 Championship
None
Sportzworkz YouTube channel [253]
SAFF U-17 Championship [254]
SAFF Women's Championship Eleven Sports [255]
SAFF U-20 Women's Championship Sportzworkz [256]
SAFF U-15 Women's Championship [257]
UEFA UEFA Euro SPNI Sony Sports SPNI SonyLIV [258]
UEFA Nations League
UEFA Euro Qualifiers
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – UEFA [259]
UEFA Women's Euro [260]
CONMEBOL Copa América [261]
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CONMEBOL
None
Dream Sports FanCode [262]
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
None
Dream Sports FanCode [263]
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF [264]
CONCACAF CONCACAF Gold Cup
None
VUSport [265]
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CONCACAF
None
Dream Sports FanCode [266]
  1. ^ Home matches of FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers were broadcast by Sports18 and JioCinema.[245][246]

International club football

edit

List of current broadcasters.

Country

(or) Confederation

Competition Television rights Streaming rights Ref.
Conglomerate Channel(s) Conglomerate Platform
FIFA FIFA Club World Cup/FIFA Intercontinental Cup WBD India Eurosport India Dream Sports FanCode [267]
AFC AFC Champions League Elite Viacom18 Sports18 Dream Sports FanCode [268][269]
AFC Champions League Two [270][269]
AFC Challenge League
AFC Women's Champions League
None
AFC The AFC Hub
England Premier League Disney India Star Sports Disney India Disney+ Hotstar [271]
FA Cup SPNI Sony Sports SPNI SonyLIV [272]
FA Community Shield [273]
EFL Cup
None
Dream Sports FanCode [274][275]
Women's Super League [276]
France Ligue 1 Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 JioCinema [277][278]
TV5Monde TV5Monde Asie Reliance Jio TV
Coupe de France
None
DAZN Group DAZN [279]
Germany Bundesliga SPNI Sony Sports SPNI SonyLIV [280]
DFB-Pokal [281]
DFL-Supercup [282]
Italy Serie A Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 JioCinema [283]
Reliance Jio TV
Netherlands Eredivisie WBD India Eurosport India WBD India Discovery+ [284]
Scotland Scottish Premiership Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 JioCinema [285][286]
Scottish Championship [287]
Spain La Liga Viacom18 Sports18 Viacom18 JioCinema [288]
Reliance Jio TV
Copa del Rey
None
Dream Sports FanCode [263]
Supercopa de España [263]
Liga F
None
DAZN Group DAZN [289]
DAZN Women's Football
China Chinese Super League
None
Dream Sports FanCode [290]
Japan J1 League [291]
Saudi Arabia Saudi Pro League SPNI Sony Sports SPNI SonyLIV [292]
King's Cup [293]
CONCACAF Leagues Cup
None
Apple Apple TV+

(MLS Season Pass)

[294]
United States Major League Soccer [295]
US Open Cup SPNI Sony Sports SPNI SonyLIV [296]
Australia A-League
None
Dream Sports FanCode [297]

Clubs on social media

edit

The Kerala Blasters ranked fifth most popular Asian club on social media as of 31 October 2018.[298] Note that the Chinese football clubs Guangzhou FC, Shandong Taishan, Beijing Guoan, the Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Shanghai Shenhua ranked above the Kerala Blasters with millions of followers on Weibo.[299]

# Football club Country Followers
1 Persib Indonesia 15.4 million
2 Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia 11.3 million
3 Al-Ittihad Saudi Arabia 4.6 million
4 Persija Indonesia 4.2 million
5 Kerala Blasters India 3.6 million

Seasons

edit

The following articles detail the major results and events in each season of Indian football since 2011.

2010s: 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20
2020s: 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25

National Sports Award recipients

edit
Year Recipient Award Gender
2021 Sunil Chhetri Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Male
1961 P. K. Banerjee Arjuna Award Male
1962 Tulsidas Balaram Arjuna Award Male
1963 Chuni Goswami Arjuna Award Male
1964 Jarnail Singh Arjuna Award Male
1965 Arun Ghosh Arjuna Award Male
1966 Yousuf Khan Arjuna Award Male
1967 Peter Thangaraj Arjuna Award Male
1969 Inder Singh Arjuna Award Male
1970 Syed Nayeemuddin Arjuna Award Male
1971 C. P. Singh Arjuna Award Male
1973 Magan Singh Rajvi Arjuna Award Male
1978–1979 Gurdev Singh Gill Arjuna Award Male
1979–1980 Prasun Banerjee Arjuna Award Male
1980–1981 Mohammed Habib Arjuna Award Male
1981 Sudhir Karmakar Arjuna Award Male
1983 Shanti Mullick Arjuna Award Female
1989 Subrata Bhattacharya Arjuna Award Male
1997 Brahmanand Sankhwalkar Arjuna Award Male
1998 Bhaichung Bhutia Arjuna Award Male
2001 Bruno Coutinho Arjuna Award Male
2002 I. M. Vijayan Arjuna Award Male
2010 Deepak Mondal Arjuna Award Male
2011 Sunil Chhetri Arjuna Award Male
2016 Subrata Pal Arjuna Award Male
2017 Oinam Bembem Devi Arjuna Award Female
2019 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Arjuna Award Male
2020 Sandesh Jhingan Arjuna Award Male
2011 Shabbir Ali Dhyan Chand Award Male
2017 Syed Shahid Hakim Dhyan Chand Award Male
2020 Sukhvinder Singh Sandhu Dhyan Chand Award Male
1990 Syed Nayeemuddin Dronacharya Award Male
2022 Bimal Prafulla Ghosh Dronacharya Award Male

See also

edit
edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Sharma, Mukesh (11 July 2010). "BBC Sport — Football — World Cup 2010: India's football absence examined". BBC News. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  2. ^ Wilson, Bill (10 April 2012). "BBC News — Football looks to score in India". Bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  3. ^ "India skipped FIFA World Cup in 1950". Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  4. ^ "Mohun Bagan and East Bengal: A derby to remember". inbedwithmaradona.com. 24 July 2013. Archived from the original on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
  5. ^ Sharma, Nandini (23 April 2019). "Sports Galore: Uncovering India's Top 20 Most Popular Sports". Kreedon. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  6. ^ "BBC News — Can India ever learn to love football?". BBC News. Bbc.co.uk. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 16 February 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  7. ^ "FIFA Council decides on key steps for the future of international competitions". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 16 March 2018. Archived from the original on 17 March 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Choudhury, Chandrahas (11 June 2014). "Blame India's World Cup Drought on the Shoes". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  9. ^ Pillai, Manu S (8 June 2018). "How football kicked off in India | As with the English language, when the British transported the sport to India, they didn't expect the 'natives' to beat them at it". lifestyle.livemint.com. Delhi, India: Livemint Delhi. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  10. ^ Guha, Chandak (5 September 2019). "ইংরেজরাও ভয় পেত বাংলার প্রথম কিংবদন্তি ফুটবল কোচকে" [The Englishmen too feared Bengal's legendary first football coach]. bongodorshon.com (in Bengali). Kolkata: Bongodorshon Information Desk. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  11. ^ "History of Football in India". TheSportsCampus.com. 19 May 2008. Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  12. ^ Kumar Shil, Amrita (15 May 2022). "Football Culture in Princely State of Cooch Behar" (PDF). JHSR Journal of Historical Study and Search. 2. ISSN 2583-0198. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  13. ^ "'Golondaaj' Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari: the father of Indian football". Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  14. ^ "FOOTBALL IN BENGAL". www.ifawb.com. The Indian Football Association (West Bengal). Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  15. ^ Pillai, Manu S (8 June 2018). "How football kicked off in India | As with the English language, when the British transported the sport to India, they didn't expect the 'natives' to beat them at it". lifestyle.livemint.com. Delhi, India: Livemint Delhi. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  16. ^ a b c d "Soutik Biswas's India: Why is India not at the World Cup?". BBC. 18 June 2010. Archived from the original on 24 November 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  17. ^ "EAST BENGAL CLUB, INDIA – RECORDS, FUNS AND FACTS: 1930 – EAST BENGAL CLUB AND ARSENAL FC CONNECTION". eastbengalclubrecords.wordpress.com. 31 March 2016. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  18. ^ a b "Fit to Post: Yahoo! India News " Blog Archive Barefoot in Bengal and Other Stories "". Archived from the original on 14 June 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  19. ^ Lisi (2007), p. 49
  20. ^ "1950 FIFA World Cup Brazil – Overview". FIFA. Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  21. ^ Arunava Chaudhuri. "The Indian National Team's World Cup qualifying". Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  22. ^ "As India is gripping onto the football fever, take a look at the best football stadiums in India! - Nativeplanet". nativeplanet.com. Archived from the original on 14 May 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  23. ^ a b "India's performances at the AFC Asian Cup". goal.com. GOAL. Archived from the original on 28 September 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  24. ^ a b c "Asian Nations Cup 1964". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 20 April 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  25. ^ "The best technical team in Asia". Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  26. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1984". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  27. ^ Morrison, Neil. "Asian U-19 Championship 1974". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  28. ^ "Down the memory lane: India's AFC Youth Championship triumph in 1974". Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  29. ^ "From gate-crashers to joint winners: India's journey at the Asian Youth Championship Bangkok 1974". Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  30. ^ "The Day When India's Mohun Bagan Nearly Beat the Pele-Led New York Cosmos". 30 December 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  31. ^ "When Pele was left spellbound by 'little known' football club Mohun Bagan's talent in 1977". The Economic Times. 30 December 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  32. ^ "MOHUN BAGAN PLAYED WITH KING OF FOOTBALL PELE". Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  33. ^ Arunava Chaudhuri (21 July 2015). "India's first women's football national team coach Sushil Bhattacharya passed away". Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  34. ^ Doyle, Jennifer (28 January 2010). "A World Cup Dream Revives India's Women's Soccer Team". NY Times. India. Archived from the original on 21 February 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  35. ^ Doyle, Jennifer (29 January 2010). "A World Cup Dream Revives India's Women's Team". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 8 August 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
  36. ^ "India upstage Syria 1–0 to lift Nehru Cup". Reuters. 29 August 2007. Archived from the original on 6 September 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
  37. ^ "India win AFC Challenge Cup". Rediff.com. 13 August 2008. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  38. ^ "ONGC Nehru Cup 2009". Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  39. ^ "INDIA IN AFC ASIAN CUP 2011: PERFORMANCE REVIEW". The Hard Tackle. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  40. ^ "My contract renewed with AIFF till 2013: Houghton". The Times of India. 30 June 2010. Archived from the original on 3 July 2010. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
  41. ^ "Wimp Koevermans announced as the new coach of Indian football team". Live Indian Football. Archived from the original on 8 August 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  42. ^ "India vs Qatar". Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  43. ^ "India - United Arab Emirates 2:2". Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  44. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017". Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  45. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017". Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  46. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017". Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  47. ^ "Official Emblem launched for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 27 September 2016. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  48. ^ "Argentina & Iraq slayed in an incredible day for India football! | Goal.com". Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  49. ^ "Group A: Thailand 1-4 India". The AFC.com. 6 January 2019. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  50. ^ "AFC Asian Cup 2019: Thailand 1-4 India, Player Ratings". FOX Sports Asia. 6 January 2019. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  51. ^ "UAE Steal India'S Thunder". the-aiff.com. AIFF. 10 January 2019. Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  52. ^ "AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, India vs Bahrain". the-afc.com. AFC. Archived from the original on 18 January 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  53. ^ a b Ishfaq Ahmed, Shiddant Aney, Vaibhav Raghunandan (14 January 2019). "India Lose to Bahrain, Crash Out of AFC Asian Cup - Highlights and Analysis". newsclick.in. Archived from the original on 15 January 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  54. ^ a b "AFC's 63rd anniversary: Seven events that shaped Asian football". the-AFC.com. 8 May 2017. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  55. ^ a b "The unity of the South Asian Countries playing football". SAFF. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  56. ^ "AIFF to reinvigorate futsal, beach football". The Times of India. 7 August 2018.
  57. ^ "AIFF to reinvigorate futsal, beach football". The Times of India. 7 August 2018.
  58. ^ "Indian football team at the 1951 Asian Games". Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  59. ^ "India go top in Asia". Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  60. ^ name=fn1|1950 (qualified but withdrew)
  61. ^ Arunava Chaudhuri (21 July 2015). "India's first women's football national team coach Sushil Bhattacharya passed away". Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  62. ^ Doyle, Jennifer (28 January 2010). "A World Cup Dream Revives India's Women's Soccer Team". NY Times. India. Archived from the original on 21 February 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  63. ^ Arunava Chaudhuri. "Gender and sport in India: aspects of women's football by Arunava Chaudhuri (english)". indien-netzwerk.de. Archived from the original on 5 April 2005. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  64. ^ "State Associations". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  65. ^ "Men's International-Match Calendar" (PDF). FIFA. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  66. ^ "Women's International-Match Calendar" (PDF). FIFA. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  67. ^ "Hero Senior NFC". the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  68. ^ "Arunachal jitters delink Fifa from Santosh Trophy, decision puts AIFF in a spot of bother". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  69. ^ "AIFF Executive Committee meeting: FIFA President to attend Santosh Trophy final". the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  70. ^ Kapadia, Novy (27 May 2012). "Memorable moments in the Santosh Trophy". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  71. ^ Anand, Vijay (16 March 2014). "The history of Santosh Trophy". SportsKeeda. Archived from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  72. ^ "The rise and fall of the Santosh Trophy". The Indian Express. 12 March 2014. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  73. ^ "70th Santosh Trophy". The Indian Football Live. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  74. ^ "National Games". olympic.ind.in. Archived from the original on 18 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  75. ^ "List of Winners/Runners-Up of the National Games Men's Football Tournament". indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  76. ^ "List of Winners/Runners-Up of the National Games Women's Football Tournament". indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  77. ^ "Hero Junior NFC". www.the-aiff.com. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  78. ^ "Hero Sub Junior NFC". www.the-aiff.com. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  79. ^ Basu, Jaydeep (8 September 2019). "The tournament where stars are born: Subroto Cup burns bright". Sports Lounge. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  80. ^ "Twenty teams to participate in maiden Hero National Beach Soccer Championship". AIFF. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  81. ^ "AIFF announces fixtures for inaugural National Beach Soccer Championship". ANI. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  82. ^ "Surat engulfed in Beach Soccer wave". AIFF. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  83. ^ "About ISL – Indian Super League". Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  84. ^ "AIFF Executive Committee inducts five new clubs into Hero I-League, Federation Cup restored". the-aiff.com.
  85. ^ Dhar, Pulasta (6 January 2016). "The fall of the I-league". Livemint. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  86. ^ "AIFF signs 700-crore deal with IMG-RIL". Times of India. 9 December 2010. Archived from the original on 30 May 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  87. ^ "Reliance, Star India, IMG Set to Launch ISL". Indian Super League. 21 October 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2017.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  88. ^ "Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly foray into football, win ISL bids". Times of India. 13 April 2014. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  89. ^ "Still no consensus on ISL, I-League merger despite high-profile meet". The Times of India. 7 June 2017. Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  90. ^ "ISL gets official recognition from AFC, becomes second national football league". FirstPost. 28 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2 January 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  91. ^ "AFC competitions committee's decisions published". The Asian Football Confederation. 25 July 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2017.
  92. ^ "New roadmap for Indian football proposes Hero ISL as premier league". Indian Super League. Archived from the original on 1 January 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  93. ^ "AIFF League Committee meeting chaired online by Lalnghinglova Hmar". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 16 December 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  94. ^ "Five teams submit bids for direct Hero I-League entry". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  95. ^ Chatterjee, Triyasha (1 May 2023). "I-League: AIFF League Committee inflict 3-TIER BIDDING structure for DIRECT entry into I-League 2023-24- Check Out". Inside Sport India. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  96. ^ "AIFF League committee announce I-League direct entry bidders and revamped league structure for IWL". Khel Now. Archived from the original on 13 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  97. ^ "Record five bids for I-League; no ISL reserves in 2nd and 3rd divisions". Hindustan Times. 13 June 2023. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  98. ^ "State Associations". All India Football Federation. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  99. ^ "Calcutta Football League". Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  100. ^ "Draw for Futsal Club Championship 2021–22 announced". aninews.in. New Delhi: Asianet News International. 29 October 2021. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  101. ^ "Futsal club championship to kick-off from 2020 season". AIFF. 13 December 2019. Archived from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  102. ^ "Inaugural edition of Futsal Championship to kick-off in New Delhi on November 5". www.aninews.in. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  103. ^ "Senior Women's NFC named Rajmata Jijabai Maharaja National Football Championship". AIFF. 4 March 2024.
  104. ^ "Hero Senior Women's NFC". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  105. ^ "National Games". olympic.ind.in. Archived from the original on 18 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  106. ^ "List of Winners/Runners-Up of the National Games Men's Football Tournament". indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  107. ^ "List of Winners/Runners-Up of the National Games Women's Football Tournament". indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  108. ^ "Hero Junior Girl's NFC". AIFF. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  109. ^ "Hero Sub Junior Girl's NFC". AIFF. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  110. ^ "IWL: Tough battle awaits for debutants Churchill Brothers". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Goa: The Times of India. TNN. 24 April 2023. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  111. ^ "New clubs and new goals are at the forefront of the Hero IWL". FootballExpress.in. 25 April 2023.
  112. ^ "AIFF League Committee recommends promotion-relegation system for IWL". www.the-aiff.com. AIFF. 19 January 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  113. ^ "AIFF League committee announce I-League direct entry bidders and revamped league structure for IWL". Khel Now. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  114. ^ "Football: Five bids received for direct entry into I-League 2023-24 season". www.business-standard.com. 13 June 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  115. ^ "AIFF League Committee meeting chaired online by Lalnghinglova Hmar". www.the-aiff.com. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  116. ^ "AIFF officials hold discussions with Hero I-League, Hero IWL clubs". www.the-aiff.com. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  117. ^ "State Associations". All India Football Federation. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  118. ^ "2011 SAFF Championship Stadium Guide: New Delhi – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium". goal.com. goal.com India. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  119. ^ "Sunil Chhetri strikes brace as India beat Malaysia 3-2 in international friendly". Jagran Post. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  120. ^ "India vs Nepal at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati". fifa.com. FIFA. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  121. ^ "India vs Iran at Sree Kranteerava Stadium". fifa.com. FIFA. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  122. ^ "FIVE-STAR INDIA EASE PAST CHINESE TAIPEI". the-aiff.com. AIFF. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  123. ^ "India at the SAFF Cup". wifa.in. WIFA. 30 November 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  124. ^ "India win 2012 Nehru Cup". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. TOI. 3 September 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  125. ^ "India wins 2015 SAFF Cup: Who said what". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. 4 January 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  126. ^ "INDIA ARE HERO TRI-NATION FOOTBALL SERIES 2017 CHAMPIONS". the-aiff.com. AIFF. Archived from the original on 2 September 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  127. ^ "OUR PRIMARY TARGET IS TO WIN THE TOURNAMENT: CONSTANTINE". the-aiff.com. AIFF. Archived from the original on 6 February 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  128. ^ "AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019". the-afc.com. AFC. Archived from the original on 22 March 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  129. ^ "The experienced duo of Sunil Chhetri and Clifford Miranda were on target as India beat Nepal 2-0 in a comfortable win". goal.com. GOAL. Archived from the original on 12 January 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  130. ^ "Nehru Cup Victory : Moment To Cherish For Indian Football Fans". syndication.bleacherreport.com. Bharanithar. 10 September 2009. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  131. ^ Sarmah, Bhargab. "AIFF's multi-million splurge on tri-nation football series defies logic". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  132. ^ "All Whites squad named for Intercontinental Cup". New Zealand Football. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  133. ^ "World Cup 1950 (Brazil, June 24-July 16)". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  134. ^ "Did India withdraw from the 1950 World Cup because they were not allowed to play barefoot?". Los Angeles Times. 19 July 2011. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  135. ^ "Did India withdraw from the 1950 World Cup because they were not allowed to play barefoot?". Los Angeles Times. 19 July 2011. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  136. ^ "Why India did not compete in the 1950 football World Cup (and no, it wasn't because they didn't have boots)". The Indian Express. 10 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  137. ^ a b "The Indian National Team's World Cup qualifying". Indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 14 June 2010.
  138. ^ "World Cup 1950 Qualifying". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  139. ^ "World Cup 1954 qualifications". Archived from the original on 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  140. ^ "World Cup 1986 qualifictions". Archived from the original on 10 November 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  141. ^ "World Cup 1990 qualifications". Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  142. ^ "World Cup 1994 qualifications". Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  143. ^ "World Cup 1998 qualifications". Archived from the original on 21 August 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  144. ^ "World Cup 2002 qualifications". Archived from the original on 16 January 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  145. ^ "World Cup 2006 Qualifying". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  146. ^ "World Cup 2010 Qualifying". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  147. ^ "World Cup 2014 Qualifying". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  148. ^ "World Cup 2018 Qualifying". Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  149. ^ "World Cup 2022 Qualifying". Archived from the original on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  150. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1984". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  151. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2011". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  152. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1960". Archived from the original on 18 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  153. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1964". Archived from the original on 2 January 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  154. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1968". Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  155. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1972". Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  156. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1976". Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  157. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1980". Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  158. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1984". Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  159. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1988". Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  160. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1992". Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  161. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 1996". Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  162. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2000". Archived from the original on 1 April 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  163. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2004". Archived from the original on 13 June 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  164. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2007". Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  165. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2011". Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  166. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2015". Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  167. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2019". Archived from the original on 23 November 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  168. ^ "Asian Nations Cup 2024". Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  169. ^ "XIV. Olympiad London 1948 Football Tournament". Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  170. ^ "Yugoslavia 10-1 India". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 22 September 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  171. ^ a b "Olympics 1956". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 22 September 2008.
  172. ^ "Olympics 1960". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 22 September 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  173. ^ "Olympic Football Tournament London 1948: FIFA.com". Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  174. ^ "Olympic Football Tournament Helsinki 1952: FIFA.com". Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  175. ^ "Olympic Football Tournament Melbourne 1956: FIFA.com". Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  176. ^ "Olympic Football Tournament Rome 1960: FIFA.com". Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  177. ^ "When India Conquered the continent". Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  178. ^ "Indian football team at the 1951 Asian Games". Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  179. ^ "India go top in Asia". Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  180. ^ "The best technical team in Asia". Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  181. ^ "Disaster against Myanmar". Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  182. ^ "India football team at the 1986 Asian Games". Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  183. ^ "Asian Games 1951 (India)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  184. ^ "Asian Games 1954". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  185. ^ "Asian Games 1958 (Tokyo, Japan)". Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  186. ^ "Asian Games 1962 (Indonesia)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  187. ^ "Asian Games 1966 (Thailand)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  188. ^ "Asian Games 1970". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  189. ^ "Asian Games 1974 (Iran)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  190. ^ "Asian Games 1978". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  191. ^ "Asian Games 1982". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  192. ^ "Asian Games 1986". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  193. ^ "Asian Games 1998 (Thailand)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  194. ^ "SAFF Cup, indianfootball.de". Archived from the original on 2 August 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  195. ^ "RSSSF 1993 SAFF Cup". Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  196. ^ "India land tough saff championship draw: AFC.com". Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  197. ^ "India's Prestigious records at SAFF Championship". Archived from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  198. ^ "Asian tournament records Sportskeeda.com". Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  199. ^ "1st SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) Tournament 1993". Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  200. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 1995 (Colombo, Sri Lanka)". Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  201. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 1997 (Kathmandu, Nepal)". Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  202. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 1999 (Margoa, Goa)". Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  203. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 2003 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  204. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 2005 (Karachi, Pakistan)". Archived from the original on 24 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  205. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 2008 (Colombo and Malé)". Archived from the original on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  206. ^ "South Asian Gold Cup 2011 (New Delhi)". Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  207. ^ "South Asian Championship 2013 (Kathmandu)". Archived from the original on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  208. ^ "South Asian Championship 2015/16 (Trivandrum)". Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  209. ^ "South Asian Championship 2018 (Dhaka)". Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  210. ^ "South Asian Championship 2021 (Malé)". Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  211. ^ "South Asian Championship 2023 (Bangalore)". Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  212. ^ "History of Indian football team". Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  213. ^ "2nd South Asian Federation Games 1985 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  214. ^ "3rd South Asian Federation Games 1987 (Calcutta, India)". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  215. ^ "4th South Asian Federation Games 1989 (Islamabad, Pakistan)". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  216. ^ "5th South Asian Federation Games 1991 (Colombo, Sri Lanka)". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  217. ^ "6th South Asian Federation Games 1993". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  218. ^ "7th South Asian Federation Games 1993". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  219. ^ "8th South Asian Federation Games 1999 (Kathmandu, Nepal)". Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  220. ^ "Latest update on the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022". Asian Football Confederation. 23 January 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  221. ^ "SAFF Championships: Indian Women Complete Record Hattrick of Football Title". newschoupal.com. 21 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  222. ^ Chakraborty, Sruti (28 February 2024). "Manisha Kalyan adjudged Best Midfielder in Turkish Women's Cup". the-aiff.ccom. Alanya: All India Football Federation. Archived from the original on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  223. ^ "Santosh Trophy to be streamed live globally on FIFA+: All India Football Federation". Sentinel Assam. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  224. ^ "Senior Women's NFC". The Away End. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  225. ^ "Official announcement-Broadcasting". AIFF Twitter. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  226. ^ "Viacom18 acquires exclusive media rights to upcoming two ISL seasons". SportsMint Media. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  227. ^ "I-League 2023–24: Fixtures, format, telecast and more". Khel Now. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  228. ^ "I-League 2: Sporting Clube De Goa vs Maharashtra Oranje FC Live Streaming". Khel Now. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  229. ^ "I-League 3rd Division Millat FC vs Jeppiaar Institute of Technology | WATCH". Khel Now. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  230. ^ "Indian Women's League (IWL) 2023–24 live points table today, schedule, date, time, fixtures list, results, live streaming telecast". The SportsGrail. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  231. ^ "Kalinga Super Cup 2024 Live broadcast to be on JioCinema". Inside Sport India. 3 January 2024. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  232. ^ "Sony Pictures Networks India Bags Exclusive Durand Cup Broadcast Rights for Two Years". News18. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  233. ^ "FanCode to Exclusively Live Stream Futsal Championship 2023". Inside Sport India. 9 February 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  234. ^ "Intercontinental Cup: Star Sports to telecast, Live Streaming to be available on Disney+ Hotstar, Jio TV". www.insidesport.in. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  235. ^ "Tri-Nation series 2023: All you need to know about India's next friendlies against Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan". sportstar.thehindu.com. 21 March 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  236. ^ "FIFA World Cup 2022: When, where to watch the Qatar WC in India?". sportstar.thehindu.com. 9 November 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  237. ^ "FIFA World Cup 2022 Live Streaming: How to stream on your iPhone, Android smartphone". The Indian Express. 21 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  238. ^ "FIFA U20 World Cup 2023: Where to Watch, Teams, Live Streaming and Telecast in India". www.mykhel.com. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  239. ^ "FanCode secures exclusive live streaming rights for FIFA U-17 WC 2023 in India: Best Media Info". www.bestmediainfo.com. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  240. ^ "FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 live stream telecast broadcast in India and where to watch". The SportsGrail. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  241. ^ "When & where to watch FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup?". Pixstory. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  242. ^ "India at FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022: Squad, fixtures and all you need to know". Firstpost. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  243. ^ "All you need to know ahead of India's AFC Asian Cup 2024 campaign: Fixtures, squad, telecast details, and more". www.sportskeeda.com. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  244. ^ "2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Where and how to watch Kuwait vs India game?". Khel Now. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  245. ^ "Sports18 to telecast India's FIFA World Cup Qualifiers' home games". Khel Now. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  246. ^ "India vs Qatar Live Streaming on JioCinema; Sports18 to telecast FIFA WC Qualifier". Inside Sport India. 20 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  247. ^ a b c "FanCode signs multi-year deal for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competition rights in India". Financialexpress. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  248. ^ "AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023 Where to Watch". the-AFC. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  249. ^ "AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 schedule, date, time table, fixtures, groups, live streaming telecast in India". The SportsGrail. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  250. ^ "All you need to know about 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup". Khel Now. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  251. ^ "DD Sports to telecast SAFF Championship 2023". Khel Now. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  252. ^ "FanCode secures exclusive digital rights of SAFF Championship". Financialexpress. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  253. ^ "India vs Bangladesh Live Streaming | SAFF U-19 Championship". Khel Now. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  254. ^ "SAFF U-16 Women's Championship 2024: Fixtures, results, format and more". Khel Now. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  255. ^ "SAFF Women's Championship 2022: Preview, Schedule, India Squad, Live Stream". thebridge.in. 4 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  256. ^ "SAFF U19 Women's Championship 2024 live points table today, schedule, date, time, score, results, live stream telecast". The SportsGrail. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  257. ^ "SAFF U-16 Women's Championship 2024: Fixtures, results, format and more". Khel Now. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  258. ^ "India's SPN secures exclusive rights to UEFA men's national team competitions up to 2028". Sportcal. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  259. ^ UEFA.com (3 September 2021). "Where to watch European Qualifiers for the World Cup: TV broadcast partners, live streams". UEFA.com. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  260. ^ "Where to watch UEFA Women's EURO 2022: TV, streams". UEFA.com. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  261. ^ Quint, The (20 April 2021). "Sony Network to Broadcast Copa America 2021 in India". TheQuint. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  262. ^ "CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on FanCode". fanCode. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  263. ^ a b c "FanCode secures exclusive broadcast rights for Africa Cup of Nations 2024, Copa del Rey, & Supercopa de Espana". The Economic Times. 4 January 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  264. ^ "CAF World Cup Qualifiers on FanCode". Twitter. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  265. ^ "Gold Cup broadcast". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  266. ^ "Broadcast of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers". Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  267. ^ "1Stadia partners with Eurosport and fan code to broadcast FIFA – ET BrandEquity". ETBrandEquity.com. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  268. ^ "Asian Champions League – Where to watch". the-AFC. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  269. ^ a b "Where and how to watch AFC Champions League, AFC Cup 2023–2024 Live Streaming and Telecast TV Channel in India?". Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  270. ^ "AFC Cup – Where to watch". the-AFC. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  271. ^ "Premier League Live Football Broadcasts & TV Highlights 2020/21". www.premierleague.com. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  272. ^ "Where to watch the Emirates FA Cup around the world via our global broadcast partners". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  273. ^ "Arsenal vs Manchester City: Where and how to watch Community Shield Final?". Khel Now. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  274. ^ "Broadcast Partners". EFL. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  275. ^ "EFL Official Website – TV Broadcast". www.efl.com. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  276. ^ "FanCode nets WSL streaming rights in India". Sportcal. 13 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  277. ^ "International Broadcasters". www.ligue1.com. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  278. ^ "Ligue 1 Live streaming: Reliance backed Viacom 18 listed as official broadcasters of French League in India". InsideSport. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  279. ^ "Marseille vs PSG, French Cup LIVE streaming info: Preview, when and where to watch, predicted 11". sportstar.thehindu.com. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  280. ^ "Bundesliga | List of all broadcasters". bundesliga.com – the official Bundesliga website. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  281. ^ "Sony Pictures Networks bags exclusive Television & Digital rights for DFB-Pokal". SportzFront. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  282. ^ "German Super Cup final live streaming: Where and when to watch RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich match in India?". TimesNow. 30 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  283. ^ Laghate, Gaurav (20 August 2021). "mukesh ambani: Mukesh Ambani's tryst with sports rights continues with Italian Serie A – The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  284. ^ "Broadcasters". Eredivisie. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  285. ^ "Scottish Premiership". www.jiocinema.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  286. ^ "How to watch the 2021–22 Scottish Football Premier League matches live in India?". technosports.co.in. 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  287. ^ "Scottish Championship". www.jiocinema.com. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  288. ^ "Viacom18 enters into a strategic partnership with LaLiga; MTV India will now be the exclusive home of the legendary football league". Página web oficial de LaLiga | LaLiga. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  289. ^ "DAZN Acquires Exclusive Broadcast Rights To Spanish Women's League For Five Years". Forbes. 9 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  290. ^ "Chinese Super League 2023". FanCode. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  291. ^ "Overseas Broadcasting of the 2023 MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE, J1 League to be available for worldwide from 2023". Jleague. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  292. ^ "Sony Networks brings Saudi Pro League action to Indian subcontinent". Financialexpress. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  293. ^ "Al-Nassr vs Abha, King Cup 2022–23 Free Live Streaming Online in India". LatestLY. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  294. ^ "Where and how to watch Leagues Cup in India?". Khel Now. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  295. ^ "Where and how to watch Major League Soccer (MLS) 2023 in India?". Khel Now. 1 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  296. ^ "US Open Cup Final, Inter Miami Vs Houston Dynamo: When And Where To Watch". Outlookindia.com. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  297. ^ "Watch A-League live in India". FanCode. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  298. ^ "Top FIVE Asian Clubs with Highest Social Media Followers, up to October 2018".
  299. ^ "Man Utd and Man City are the most followed clubs on Weibo in China". Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.

Further reading

edit
edit