Traversing Across Grassroots of Indian Football
The agathokako logical, controversial Swiss; Former President of FIFA had said it way back, " India is a Sleeping Giant of Football." And he couldn't have been closer to the truth. After all, football has cemented its position in Top-5 most viewed Games in India and is the 2nd most popular game, after cricket ofcourse. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted by India eventually captured by the 3 Lions was the most successful U-17 World Cup ever. India has 2 Independent Leagues, one of the very few countries to have this. The I-League, joined by the freshly launched Indian Super League.
Despite all this, India hasn't come any close to Global Recognition, let alone being one of the darkhorses and competing for the prestine Cups.
Football was a sport developed in the 19th century by the Working Class during the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom that gained popularity. And in a flicker it spread everywhere. The English Game was brought to the then Capital of the Subcontinent, Calcutta. The seeds were sown by the Higher Order of British and soon fabrics were woven. The year was 1872 and Calcutta FC became the first ever Indian Football Club. By just 1895, half a dozen had surfaced. North East India was painted now in Black - white circles moving bizarrely across the lush green prairies and hills. Portuguese and the French, already captivated by the 'Rasenball Sport' escalated the Mania in the South Western Plateaus and beaches. By 1937 the All India Football Federation, AIFF was formed and it gained recognition by FIFA in the 1940s. The Golden Age had arrived which to this day has its Dazzling shine unmatched.
India competed in the 1948 Olympics, but the palyers were barefoot, courtesy to the lack of resources, funds. This insufficiency would be The Spectre, looming and haunting the entire nation for scores to come. India had a Priceless, Miraculous chance right out of the Blue to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 1950s main draw, gratitude to all their opponents backing out. However, with high demands and standards of FIFA, in particular, compulsion of boots, standard jerseys, Tickets; India fell well short. This till date has been the closest encounter with the FIFA World Cup. India did conquer the Asia - Pacific though in the 1951. In 1956 Melbourne Olympics, India became the first country from Asia - Pacific to reach the Semi finals; a 'booted' Indian team. And in 1962, the final chapter of the Gold Pyramid was scripted. India ruled the continent yet again.
And then, everything became barren. The fluidity started to vapourise and India, from being on an Upwards Trajectory, stagnated. India lost its foothole rather quickly. 1987 would be the last time India would play in the AFC Asian Football Championships, up until 2011.
The past decade has however seen noticible progress. Since 2009, AIFF has taken its work and focus to the next level. India from being ranked 171 in mid 2000s has broken into and settled in the top 100. The newly born ISL focuses alot on Indian talents while also attracting the Legends of the Game. And with European Football competing at Cut-throat and Olympus standards, to gain the edge in terms of funds, players and discovering hidden gems The Big European Giants are exploring the South Asian territory. Bayern Munichen, 6 times Champions of Europe, 9 times defending champions of Germany have set up their own Academy in North East India.
DSK Shivajians, a team from ISL teamed up with Liverpool FC, 6 times European Champions, the Inevitables of 2019, a football club steeped and buried deep in the history and traditions of the game. A football club that has insane passion, a mixture of unfathomable atmosphere, heart-warming emotion. The club that touches its supporters like nothing else, who get hooked to this team like crazy. A team that has seen the Darkest of Ages and Brightest of Skies.
Football has started its resurrection, all in all and India is slowly getting back on the landscape of International top Football. And the FIFA dreams are realistically getting closer to turning into a reality. In the next decade surely the Tricolored flag will be present at the Grandest Showpiece event of the Sport. And that, should be one of the greatest sporting events of India atleast, especially with the money being pumped in by the Oli Barons of Middle East, the standards of European Football touching Outer space and the South Americans celebrating football more than Indians getting hooked to cricket.
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