Indian Football - Still a "land unexplored"

The Promise And Potential

Syed Rahim Nabi kicks the ball against Nepal

With a population of over 1.2 billion; with people originating out of various races; hailing from innumerable landscapes and cultures, it would be impossible to believe that the country wouldn’t be able to produce a squad of football players who would be “genetically” capable of playing the game at the highest level. There always has been the potential but the potential has to blossom – that is where lies the country’s biggest stumbling block.

The footballing market in India again remains “potentially” lucrative – although vastly unexploited. The rising popularity of European football in India has meant the game in general has already revived its fan base, unlike many other sports. Now, with this existing fan base at disposal, it is now a matter of merely diversifying or rather making them share their attentions towards the Indian brand as well.

In a way, the injection of European football in India has somewhat been a “necessary evil” – which has created a breeding ground for football to flourish, both in terms of popularity and the financial point of view.

Various European clubs, much like in other Asian countries, have also turned their eyes towards the shores of India in the recent years – most notably the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Chelsea – lending their hand in various developmental projects and while most of these activities are often mere marketing gimmicks than anything, it only points to the fact that India’s footballing market is slowly but steadily catching the attentions from abroad. Such tie-ups and investments can only lead to a “dual-party” benefit – one half of the dual party being, of course Indian football.

Returning to the franchise based tournament, it indeed has some gaping loopholes. While it provides the much needed commercialization of the game in India, it’s advent, may jeopardize the I-League; it may also lead to unwanted off-field troubles, as was quite evident in the cricket’s counterpart.

But, it is about time that something has to give in Indian football. The league structure is at an all time low, and what is important is the evaluation of how much harm can the franchise based side-tournament do compared to the good. At this point of time, however, it is quite difficult to imagine what exactly there IS to lose in Indian football!

In United States, the 1994 World Cup changed the face of football in the country, and although hosting something like a World Cup is a distant dream for India, considering the financial and infrastructural deficiencies, who knows, maybe, just maybe a marquee tournament such as this, might well be a shot in the arm for Indian football.

Perhaps, with franchises aiming ruthlessly at success, their big investments could indirectly lead to more exposure for local players, improvement in the academies and reconstruction of stadium facilities. After all, we would never know, until we explore, explore the unknown!