India's Football Giant Remains in Deep Slumber Despite FIFA's Ambitious Plans
Panaji: The moniker "sleeping giant of football" has been attached to India for years, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino is merely the latest to use it. With the national team currently languishing at a dismal 141st in the world rankings, the giant shows no signs of waking up anytime soon.
A String of Disappointments and Historic Challenges
For the first time since the AFC Asian Cup expanded to include 24 teams, India has failed to qualify for the continental tournament. The domestic top-tier league features 14 teams but offers just 13 matches per club this season, highlighting structural limitations. Compounding these issues, the national team has remained winless in 15 competitive matches since November 2023.
However, a monumental opportunity looms on the horizon. Over the next three months, three Indian national teams will attempt to achieve what has never been done before: qualify for the FIFA World Cup on sporting merit. Success in this endeavor would trigger celebrations across the football world, including at FIFA headquarters.
FIFA's Commitment to Grassroots Development in India
"I have previously spoken of India as a sleeping giant of football, and with FIFA's ultimate objective being to make football truly global, we need to prioritise growth and development in the country," Infantino stated in an exclusive interview. "Football starts from the grassroots level; the level from which truly sustainable development flows."
As Infantino marks ten years as FIFA president this week, his manifesto's goal of putting "football back at the centrestage" remains central. India, with its massive population, has naturally captured FIFA's attention as a key market for global expansion.
Holistic Programs and Expert-Led Initiatives
FIFA has implemented several targeted programs in India:
- FIFA Forward and Football for Schools: Holistic development initiatives to which India has shown strong commitment.
- Talent Development Scheme: India was identified as an early target for this program under Arsène Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development.
"By offering access to expertise and other resources and promoting knowledge exchange, we will continue to work with the All India Football Federation and Indian clubs to enable men's and women's football in the country to reach its full potential," Infantino explained.
Infrastructure Support and a Vision for Change
FIFA provides crucial operational support and project funding to member associations. Without this assistance, approximately 150 countries would lack the resources to develop necessary football infrastructure and host tournaments.
In 2023, Arsène Wenger visited India to launch the groundbreaking talent development scheme. During his four-day tour, the legendary former Arsenal manager expressed his vision: "I believe that we have an opportunity to change the world of football. Football is the number one sport in the world, and a country like India, with a population of 1.4 billion, of course has to exist in this world – and that's why we are here."
The coming months will be critical for Indian football. While the "sleeping giant" metaphor persists, concerted efforts from FIFA, local federations, and development programs aim to finally stir the giant from its long slumber and chart a path toward World Cup qualification.
