Football – An IOA Recognized Sport
A Project Report on the Role, Governance & Impact of Football in India
By: Arnav Kashyap
Class: 12
Subject: Physical Education
School: _______________________________
Introduction
Football, also known as soccer, is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Governed internationally by
FIFA and in India by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), it is officially recognized by the Indian Olympic
Association (IOA). Football has deep roots in Indian sports culture and continues to grow, especially among
youth.
History of Football in India
• Introduced during the British colonial period (1800s).
• First football club: Calcutta FC (1872).
• India became a FIFA member in 1948.
• Major international achievement: Gold medals at the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games.
• India qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup but withdrew.
Governing Body: All India Football Federation (AIFF)
• Founded: 1937
• Affiliated to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• Recognized by IOA and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Headquarters: New Delhi
Roles of AIFF:
• Organizing national leagues such as the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League
• Developing youth and grassroots programs
• Managing men's, women's, and youth national teams
Structure of Football in India
Domestic Leagues:
• Indian Super League (ISL) – Top■tier professional league
• I■League – Second■tier league
• Santosh Trophy – State■level championship
National Teams:
• Indian Men’s Senior Team (Captain: Sunil Chhetri)
• Indian Women’s Senior Team
• U■23, U■20, and U■17 youth teams
Grassroots Programs:
• Baby Leagues
• Football for Schools
• AIFF Academy System
Football & IOA
• Football is an IOA■recognized Olympic sport.
• Indian football teams participate in the Asian Games, SAFF Championships, and the Youth Olympic Games.
• IOA collaborates with AIFF to facilitate entries and support for international multi■sport events.
Major Achievements
Men’s Team:
• Asian Games Gold: 1951, 1962
• Multiple SAFF Championship titles
• FIFA Ranking peak (2023): 99
Women’s Team:
• SAFF Women’s Championship titles
• Rapid development under AIFF’s strategic roadmap
Notable Players:
• Sunil Chhetri – India’s all■time top scorer
• Baichung Bhutia
• I. M. Vijayan
• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Football & Youth in India
• Over three million young athletes involved in structured football training.
• AIFF’s “Vision 2047” aims to make India one of Asia’s top football nations.
• Football integrated into school curricula through Khelo India initiatives.
Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges:
• Limited infrastructure in rural and semi■urban regions
• Intense competition for attention from cricket
• Financial instability in lower■tier leagues
Opportunities:
• Rising Indian Super League viewership and sponsorship
• Government backing via Khelo India and Fit India programs
• Hosting international events (e.g., FIFA U■17 World Cups)
Conclusion & Acknowledgment
Conclusion:
Football is more than a game; it is a powerful medium for unity, fitness, and youth empowerment in India.
With sustained support from the IOA, AIFF, and government initiatives, the sport’s future in India looks
exceptionally bright.
Acknowledgment:
I would like to thank my teachers, the Indian Olympic Association, and the All India Football Federation for
their invaluable resources and guidance in preparing this report.
