Why Indian Football Is Still Lacking Behind

Football is the most popular sport in the world. From the FIFA World Cup to European club matches, it inspires unmatched passion. Yet in India, a country of over a billion people, football has not flourished as it should. Despite having talent, passionate fans, and huge potential, India still struggles to make its presence felt in global football. Why is that?

The primary reason is the overwhelming dominance of cricket. In India, cricket is not just a game it’s a national obsession. From school grounds to television screens, cricket receives all the attention, funding, and fame. Naturally, young athletes are drawn to it for its recognition and financial stability. Football, on the other hand, is often seen as a hobby rather than a serious career path.

Another major problem lies in the underdeveloped grassroots system. In countries like Germany, Japan, and Spain, structured football training begins at an early age. Children are trained in professional academies with regular matches and professional coaching. In India, such systems are rare especially in rural areas where talent is abundant but resources are scarce. Without proper scouting and support, many promising players never get discovered.

Infrastructure is also a huge obstacle. While cricket stadiums and training centers exist in almost every state, football fields and academies are limited and often poorly maintained. Many schools and colleges lack even basic facilities, making it hard for players to train and improve.

The administrative side also holds football back. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has faced criticism for weak planning and mismanagement. While the Indian Super League (ISL) has helped increase visibility, it still relies heavily on foreign players. The season is short, and local players get limited time to shine on the field.

Lack of international exposure adds to the issue. Few Indian footballers get the chance to play abroad or face top global teams. This gap in experience affects their confidence, skills, and tactical understanding. Competing at the highest level without regular exposure is a tough challenge for any athlete.

However, there is hope. Football is gaining popularity among Indian youth, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and those in the Northeast. Icons like Sunil Chhetri have inspired a generation, and grassroots initiatives are slowly improving.

In conclusion, Indian football is not short of passion or talent it lacks strong systems, proper infrastructure, and consistent support. Once the nation starts treating football as a serious profession rather than a secondary sport, real change can begin. Until then, the dream of seeing India on the global football stage will remain distant but not impossible.

 

[Jyotishmoy]

You're absolutely right — the points you mentioned reflect the deep-rooted issues in Indian football. I’d like to add that while progress is visible, the pace is still far too slow compared to what’s needed. The Indian Super League (ISL) has brought some glamour and visibility, but we’re still not building a strong foundation at the grassroots. Talent exists — especially in places like the Northeast, Kerala, Bengal, and even rural belts — but without structured scouting and sustained training, it often goes unnoticed or wasted.

One more reason we lag is the lack of consistent, competitive playing time. Our leagues run for only a few months, which isn't enough for players to improve through real match pressure. Also, very few Indian players go abroad to challenge themselves, and that limits their growth. Compare that with Japan or South Korea, where players regularly move to European clubs and return with experience that uplifts the entire national setup.

The system needs long-term vision — not just league contracts or short-term branding. We need community-based clubs, school-level leagues, and professional coaching from a young age. Until then, we’ll keep having passion without results.

Still, I believe we’re in a better place than a decade ago. What we need now is momentum — and the courage to make structural changes. Otherwise, we’ll remain a sleeping giant in world football.