Future of Indian football Team

 

The Indian men's football team finished bottom among the 24 teams at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, failing to score a single goal or win a single match. This unfortunate result resulted in their FIFA ranking falling to their lowest in the last 5 years. When India faces defeat, fingers are pointed at various factors - be it the head coach, the Indian Super League, or the AIFF president. However, let's broaden the conversation to include the broader landscape of Indian football. India's non-existent sports culture! India's sporting culture, which is the core pillar of success, has been absent, especially for the last 5 years. Physical training in schools is minimal and often reduced by academic demands, leaving little room for budding athletes. Parents prioritize traditional careers rather than nurturing athletic ability, hindering the development of promising individuals. Instructors emphasize the importance of mastering technical skills by the age of 12-14, with basic work ideally starting at the age of 6. In a scenario where potential football talents are more engaged in academic activities, the challenge of producing skilled players intensifies. However, blaming only the education system and parents would be an oversimplification. The blame extends to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and state associations.

The AIFF, as the overarching governing body, bears significant responsibility, given its authority to regulate state FAs. Unfortunately, the lack of control over these unions hinders progress. Many state FAs lack age-group leagues or adequate training facilities for young talent, increasing the struggle to develop and nurture footballers in the country.

 Why is popularity important? 

Popularity is undoubtedly an important factor in achieving success in sports. Reflecting on a phrase by Raj Athwal, club president of Odisha FC, in one of our conversations, he said, 'In 1983, when India won the Cricket World Cup, it led to a significant increase in the popularity of cricket. Instead of being afraid of cricket's dominance, we should take inspiration from its success. I strongly believe that the strong performance of our national football team will have a transformative impact that will reverberate across India.

Raj Athwal's view is weighty – a strong performance by the Indian national football team could indeed give Indian football the much-needed popularity. While the Indian Super League has generated substantial interest, its impact has been limited to states with an existing football culture. Conversely, imagine the increased popularity and positive emotions that can emanate from a successful national team performance, even in the face of challenges such as exiting as the last-place team in the Asian Cup. The attention of global observers, including figures such as Fabrizio Romano, could have been significant. However, national team head coach Igor Stimac prefers World Cup qualifiers over such tournaments, leading to discussion over the importance of both competitions.

The national team has the unique ability to unite people, go beyond club rivalries and attract new individuals into the world of Indian football by leveraging patriotism. The substantial surge in support after India's game against Pakistan in the SAFF Championship is testament to this potential, even if some see it as opportunistic but with good intentions. To increase popularity and attract the public to football, the national team should strategically focus on achieving some kind of short-term success. This approach not only has the potential to create positive momentum, but it also encourages parents to consider football as a viable option for their children, ultimately contributing to the growth of the game in the country .

India football team at the 1960 Olympics

Indian Super League (ISL) Growth: The ISL had gained popularity and was helping to raise the standard of football in the country. With the inclusion of more teams and increased investment, the league was expected to continue playing a crucial role in the development of Indian football.

Youth Development Initiatives: Efforts were being made to improve youth development programs and grassroots football. Investing in the development of young talent is essential for long-term success, and if these initiatives were successful, they could contribute significantly to the future of Indian football.

Increased International Exposure: Indian players were gradually gaining more exposure through international competitions and overseas leagues. Exposure to different playing styles and higher levels of competition is crucial for the overall improvement of players and the national team.

Infrastructure Development: Investments in football infrastructure, including stadiums and training facilities, were ongoing. Improved facilities can enhance the quality of training and provide a better environment for players to develop their skills.

Strategic Partnerships and Foreign Expertise: Collaborations with international football bodies and hiring foreign coaches and experts can bring valuable knowledge and experience to the Indian football scene.

Fan Engagement: Growing fan engagement is crucial for the sustained success of any sport. If football continues to capture the interest of the Indian audience, it can lead to increased support, attendance, and revenue.

Grassroots is the KEY 

The ideal age to begin the basics of soccer training is 6 to 9, with a focus on technical development from 10 to 14, followed by a shift to physical development. However, despite many children aspiring to become soccer players, not all receive the necessary coaching. Let us consider two players from the Indian football team – Anirudh Thapa, a product of the AIFF Elite Academy, and Sahal Abdul Samad, who is not affiliated with such academies. Trained in the structured environment of the AIFF Elite Academy, Thapa reached his peak early in his career. His technical proficiency and tactical understanding of the game was evident from the start, making significant contributions to the national team and his club. In contrast, Sahl Abdul Samad, who was not nurtured in elite academies during his formative years, faced a different trajectory. It took many years for coaches to hone the raw talent within Sahal, making him the skilled player he is today. The comparison is not about the players' abilities, but rather shows how early coaching can impact a player's development path. This highlights the potential benefits of a structured training environment from an early age. India's U-17 team In comparison, Spain's U14, U15 and U16 players feature in a minimum of 35 games annually. Even children as young as 11-12 participate in leagues and training that last for nine to ten months. This leaves behind the rare phenomenon of senior male players in India getting 35 games per year. Japan's consistent performances at the World Cup have always been a topic of discussion, with their continued development stemming from a program launched in 2003 that focuses on children aged six to ten years old to strengthen the football base . The Japan Football Association was recognized for its grassroots football initiatives, winning AFC awards in 2013 and 2015. While the AIFF runs the Golden Baby League, which lasts for a maximum of three months, it has fallen short of the desired results for a country of 1.4 billion. , The AIFF should leverage state associations to organize longer age-group leagues (Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23). Additionally, national level youth leagues should include teams selected from these categories. Currently, there are not baby leagues or age group leagues in every state, emphasizing the need for widespread implementation.

Nutrition and education

   Comments like 'Indian players lack physical stamina, get tired before 90 minutes and cannot cope with high-intensity football' are common comments on match days. Nutrition plays an important role in addressing these concerns, and prompt attention is necessary. In addition to football and fitness lessons, it is paramount to evaluate children's nutritional intake and educate parents on the matter. Sunil Chhetri stands as a prime example, constantly emphasizing the importance of his diet, which is evident in his enduring fitness, even at his current age, compared to some of his younger counterparts who are in their 90s. Struggles to complete the minutes. Apart from football training, education of players is also equally important. Assessing how many national team players can confidently face the media and express themselves like captain Chhetri underlines the need for a holistic approach that includes both physical and communication skill development.

The striker dilemma 

As the Spain experience makes clear, the striker dilemma facing Indian football extends beyond national borders. Spain changed their playing style and relied not only on strikers but also on wingers and midfielders for goals. The question of who will replace Chhetri is inherently flawed, akin to the unrealistic search for the next Messi or Ronaldo. Chhetri's remarkable record of 93 goals for the national team is unparalleled, and expecting a direct successor is unrealistic. It is important for Indian football fans to accept this reality, thereby reducing the pressure on emerging talents like Shiv Shakti, Gurkeerat or Ayush Chikara. Additionally, another significant challenge arises from clubs often preferring foreign forwards, thereby limiting opportunities for Indian talents who often find themselves playing as wingers in the ISL and I-League . We can't blame clubs for constantly wanting goals as they invest huge amounts of money. Addressing these problems and finding solutions should be a priority for the AIFF. The Indian Arrows Project, designed to nurture top-quality players, could potentially address this issue. However, its closure poses a challenge, creating a void in the development path for the budding Indian forward. Restricting the use of foreign players in state leagues is a positive step that could contribute to providing more opportunities for domestic strikers. Amidst these discussions, there is a quiet contemplation on whether now is the time for a change from Chhetri, a sensitive topic considering his great contribution to Indian football. While his stature and influence on the field is undeniable, a strategic approach to managing his playing time is necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Managing Chhetri's game time carefully becomes paramount, as relying solely on him without planning for the post-Chhetri era could hinder the development of the next generation of forwards. Striking a balance between respecting Chhetri's legacy and nurturing emerging talent is essential for the continued growth of Indian football.

Accept criticism

Looking across the football landscape, a noticeable trend is the resistance to criticism within the Indian football community. A recent discussion raised the question of why foreign media often highlight the shortcomings of Indian football, a practice that is actually vital to improve. However, in India, raising such questions can often invite reaction rather than foster constructive dialogue. The AIFF's tendency to punish coaches or staff members who question poor refereeing in the top-tier league prevents a healthy exchange of ideas. This approach creates a culture of silence, as individuals fear the consequences of speaking out. To facilitate growth, federations should embrace constructive criticism from fans and stakeholders, fostering an environment where concerns are addressed rather than ignored. A worrying trend involves federation presidents blocking fans asking questions on social media. Such actions only hinder the growth of Indian football, as open dialogue is essential to address the issues and implement positive changes. Constructive and accepting criticism from various sources is fundamental to the continued development of Indian football. In the next episode: Igor Stimac's approach and the overall management by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are separate discussions that require wider exploration, however discussing these aspects in depth here would greatly expand this article, so Let's keep them in the next episode.