Early History of Indian Football
Football was introduced to India by British soldiers in the mid-nineteenth century. The game quickly gained popularity and soon clubs were being established across the country, particularly in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was the capital of British India at the time.
One of the earliest clubs formed was Calcutta FC in 1872, though it may have originally started as a rugby club before switching to football. Other early clubs included Dalhousie AC, Traders Club and Naval Volunteers Club. In the 1890s, more clubs like Sovabazar, Mohun Bagan and Aryan Club were established in Calcutta, cementing the city as the hub of Indian football.
Tournaments like the Gladstone Cup, the Trades Cup and the Cooch Behar Cup were also started around this time, helping to grow the sport’s popularity. The Durand Cup and IFA Shield, two of the oldest football competitions in the world, were both founded in the late 19th century in India. The first Indian team to achieve success was Sovabazar Club, winning the Trades Cup in 1892.
The pivotal moment came in 1911, when Mohun Bagan AC became the first Indian club to win the IFA Shield, defeating the East Yorkshire Regiment 2-1 in the final. This was seen as a landmark victory for Indian football, as the tournament had previously only been won by British teams based in the country.
National Football Leagues
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the national governing body of football in India, was formed in 1937, though it did not have any Indian members on its board until the 1930s. The AIFF later became affiliated with FIFA, the global football governing body.
In 1996, the AIFF created the National Football League (NFL), India’s first ever national domestic league. This was a major step forward in professionalising the sport in the country. The NFL was later rebranded as the I-League in 2007.
In 2013, a new top-tier league called the Indian Super League (ISL) was launched, backed by major investors and high-profile international players. The ISL has helped to increase the commercialisation and popularity of football in India. The I-League and ISL now operate as the top two divisions of Indian club football.
National Teams
The India national football team has a long and proud history, despite never having qualified for a FIFA World Cup. The team’s greatest achievements have come at the Asian Games, where they won gold medals in 1951 and 1962.
India’s first major international tournament was the 1948 London Olympics, where they lost 2-1 to France in their opening match. The team gained admiration for playing barefoot, with captain Talimeren Ao famously quipping “Well, you see, we play football in India, whereas you play BOOTBALL!”
Despite qualifying for the 1950 World Cup by default, India withdrew from the tournament, with the reasons still debated by historians. The 1950s and 1960s are considered the “golden era” of Indian football, with the national team becoming one of the best in Asia under coach Syed Abdul Rahim.
In more recent times, the India national team has struggled to replicate past glories. They have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup five times, with their best performance being runners-up in 1964. The team’s FIFA ranking has fluctuated, reaching a high of 94 in 2017 under coach Stephen Constantine.
The India women’s national football team has also had a rollercoaster history. They were runners-up in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 1980 and 1983, but have since suffered a decline. The AIFF has been working to revive the women’s game in recent years.
Prominent Indian Football Clubs
Mohun Bagan AC: Formed in 1889, Mohun Bagan is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Indian football history. Their landmark 2-1 victory over the East Yorkshire Regiment in the 1911 IFA Shield final is considered one of the greatest moments in Indian football.
East Bengal FC: Formed in 1920, East Bengal is another Kolkata-based club with a rich history. They have won numerous domestic titles and in 1973 became the first Indian club to defeat a non-Asian opponent, defeating Pyongyang City Sports Club of North Korea in the IFA Shield.
Mumbai City FC: Founded in 2014, Mumbai City FC is a relative newcomer on the Indian football scene. However, they have quickly established themselves as one of the country’s top clubs, winning the Indian Super League title in 2020-21.
These clubs, along with others like Dempo, Salgaocar and Bengaluru FC, have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Indian football over the decades. Their rivalries, fan cultures and on-field success have captivated audiences across the nation.
Challenges and Reforms
Indian football has faced various challenges over the years, including a lack of modern infrastructure, limited commercialisation and professionalisation of the sport. However, there have been concerted efforts by the AIFF and state associations to address these issues.
Initiatives like the creation of the Indian Super League and the revamping of the I-League have helped to increase investment, improve facilities and raise the overall standard of the domestic game. The AIFF has also worked to develop grassroots football and improve coaching and talent identification.
The hosting of major international tournaments, such as the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the upcoming 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, has also helped to generate greater interest and awareness of football in India. The country’s passion for the sport remains undiminished, and with continued reforms and investment, Indian football is poised for a bright future.
To learn more about the fascinating history and current state of football in India, be sure to visit Brazilian-Football.com, where you can find in-depth articles, analysis and insights from experts on the beautiful game.
