History of Indian Football

In 1877, an eight-year-old named Mr. Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari witnessed British officers from Calcutta FC engaged in a spirited game of football. The sight of the game in action ignited a fire within him, and he was inspired to take up the sport. With sheer determination and enthusiasm, young Nagendra Prasad began playing football with his classmates. He not only honed his own skills but also took on the role of a coach, teaching his friends how to play the beautiful game. This marked the beginning of active Indian involvement in football. Football began to spread like wildfire across the nation, and the establishment of various football clubs became more prevalent.

The introduction of football to India in the 1800s by the British marked the beginning of a sporting revolution in the country. Initially, football was viewed as a source of entertainment and amusement, often played casually. However, as the 1870s rolled around, the establishment of football clubs started to take root on Indian soil. In 1872, a significant milestone in Indian football history was achieved with the founding of the first Indian football club, Calcutta FC. Soon after, Sharda FC and Dalhousie Athletic Club joined the burgeoning football scene. Interestingly, during the early days of these clubs, the majority of players were British, and Indians had limited involvement. Little did anyone know that a young boy from Kolkata would change the course of Indian football forever.

In 1887, Nagendra Prasad himself played a significant role by founding Sovabazar FC. Just a year later, in 1888, Sir Henry Mortimer Durand introduced the prestigious Durand Cup, which was initially held in Shimla. The year 1889 witnessed the birth of one of the most legendary football clubs in India – Mohun Bagan. This historic moment marked the inception of the club culture in Indian football. With every passing year, the enthusiasm for football continued to grow.

In 1893, the Indian Football Association (IFA) was established. This pivotal organization played a crucial role in structuring and promoting football in India, and as a result, the pace of football’s growth in the country accelerated dramatically. In 1899, the southern region of India welcomed its first football club, R.B. Ferguson Club, which was founded in Kerala. This expansion of football’s reach to South India contributed to the sport’s widespread popularity.

One of the most significant turning points in Indian football history occurred in 1911 when Mohun Bagan triumphed over East Yorkshire with a score of 2-1 in the IFA Shield final. This victory was particularly momentous as it took place during a period of heightened nationalist fervor against British rule. It was a symbolic victory that showcased the potential of Indian football on the international stage. In 1937, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was formed when representatives from six different football associations across various regions convened at the Army headquarters in Shimla. This marked a significant step towards a more organized and unified approach to football administration in India.

The year 1940 brought yet another moment of glory for Indian football when Mohammedan Sporting Club won the Durand Cup with an all-Indian squad, underlining the growing talent and competitiveness within the country. Post-independence, Indian football entered a new era often referred to as the Golden Era. The 1948 London Olympics witnessed an impressive performance by the Indian football team against France, despite a 2-1 loss. Such was their performance that King George VI personally invited them for dinner. When asked why they played barefoot, the Indian captain famously responded, “In India, we play football, while in your country, they play bootball.”

In the same year, FIFA affiliated India and extended an invitation for the 1950 World Cup. However, AIFF’s focus was more on the 1952 Olympics, considering the World Cup was a relatively new tournament. This decision had far-reaching consequences for Indian football, as it missed the opportunity to participate in the inaugural World Cup. The architect of the Golden Era, Syed Abul Raheem, managed the Indian football team from 1950 to 1963, achieving remarkable success, including Gold Medals in the 1950 and 1962 Asian Games and finishing as runners-up in the 1964 Asia Cup. India’s dominance in Asian football earned it the moniker ‘Brazil of Asia.’

The decline of Indian football had several key factors. Firstly, the passing of Syed Abdul Raheem left a void in Indian football leadership. Secondly, within a short span, several players from the golden generation retired, which impacted the national team’s performance. Thirdly, India’s refusal to participate in the 1950 World Cup led to FIFA banning India from World Cup qualification in 1954. This created a rift between FIFA and AIFF, which persisted, and AIFF declared that India would not participate in the World Cup for the next 30 years.

In 1986, India decided to participate in the World Cup, but by then, other Asian teams like Japan, Korea, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia had become formidable competitors. India also faced a lack of international exposure, which hindered its performance on the global stage. Another significant factor that altered the sports landscape was India’s unexpected victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. This victory catapulted cricket into the limelight, making it a highly popular sport in the neighborhood. Cricket’s surge in popularity led to a shift in sporting priorities in India, with cricket becoming the dominant sport in the country.

In conclusion, the history of football in India is a captivating journey of passion, dedication, and transformation. From its modest beginnings as a British pastime, it evolved into a sport that captured the hearts and minds of millions of Indians. The contributions of pioneers like Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari, the establishment of iconic clubs like Mohun Bagan, and the ups and downs of Indian football’s journey have left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting landscape. While challenges and changes have shaped the course of Indian football, its rich history continues to inspire new generations of players and fans, promising a bright future for the sport in India.