Indian football stands at a pivotal crossroads as the champions of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the Super Cup earn the right to compete in the qualifiers for the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2). This development marks more than just a change in continental competition structure—it symbolizes India’s growing ambition to establish itself as a serious force in Asian football. For clubs, players, administrators, and fans alike, this opportunity represents validation, challenge, and responsibility rolled into one historic moment. The AFC Champions League 2, newly introduced as part of the Asian Football Confederation’s revamped club competition ecosystem, is designed to bridge the competitive gap between elite continental giants and emerging football nations. For India, inclusion in this pathway is a long-awaited step toward relevance on the Asian stage. The qualification of ISL and Super Cup champions into ACL2 qualifiers not only raises competitive standards domestically but also redef...
Positive developments have been seen in Indian football's growth in recent years. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has put in place a number of projects and program s to advance the game's infrastructure throughout the nation. The I-League and Indian Super League (ISL) have grown in popularity and helped Indian professional football develop. The performance of the national team has also improved in various ways. Although it changes over time, India's FIFA ranking reached its highest point in recent years (around the 100th spot). Additionally, the development of a professional women's league (Indian Women's League) and the success of the Indian women's football team are positive steps for the expansion of women's football in the nation. Additionally, the growth of grassroots football, financial support for youth development, and the establishment of football academies have all contributed to the discovery and development of young talent in India. In ...