The change in leadership of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has given optimism to Indian football fans and stakeholders that big things may be in store for the nation’s most popular sport. The AIFF recently launching its ‘Vision 2047’ roadmap is emblematic of this outlook. It intends to turn India into a power not only in Asia but at a global level over the next 25 years, starting with ambitious short-term targets. One example is the target of increasing the number of matches an average Indian player plays a year to 55, something which will go a long way towards developing both a strong domestic league and talented players for international competitions. While this goal may seem daunting, this renewed sense of ambition from leaders within the sport should give passionate supporters of Indian football cause for hope.
The top-tier Indian football league is on the path to becoming a world-class institution, but for this to become reality, it must have more teams, increase the number of games, and introduce more tournaments. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken steps in this direction by introducing two knockout tournaments which fall within the Indian football calendar. This move reflects the AIFF’s ambition to develop and strengthen Indian football, and it is likely that more knockout tournaments will be introduced or revived in the future as part of their short and long-term strategies. With this approach, there is great potential for India’s domestic football scene to take off and reach new levels of success in years to come.
Nehru Cup
The Nehru Cup was one of the most important tournaments featured in AIFF’s history. Established in 1982, this international tournament honored India’s first Prime Minister and saw participation from numerous presidential countries, including Uruguay, Argentina, Cameroon, East Germany and the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, these decorations were not to be repeated as the competition encountered a halt after 1997 – its fourth iteration. Although an attempt was made to revive it with a further three editions in 2007, 2009 and 2012 respectively, the tournament eventually petered out for lack of support and has since been disbanded. Despite this setback however, the legacy of the Nehru Cup will remain immortalized as part of Indian footballing history.
Federation Cup
The Federation Cup was once a premier knockout tournament with a rich history in the heart of Indian football. Going all the way back to 1977, it not only preceded the National Football League in 1997, but even had prominence over the current I-League as India’s leading club football tournament at one point. Not only did it occupy the front seat when it came to national trophies; Federation Cup even served as direct passage into the AFC Cup for its champions. With recent statements made by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey regarding plans and intentions on reviving this auspicious tournament, many fans are now looking forward to seeing where this revival might take Indian football in years to come.
Rovers Cup
The Rovers Cup was one of the leading football knockout tournaments in India with a history dating back to 1890, organised by the Western Indian Football Association. The tournament saw high-level competition between Indian clubs and quality foreign clubs, before being abolished in 2001 due to sponsorshop issues and high organising costs. In 2007, WIFA expressed their interest in reviving the tournament but attempts have yet to be made. Its legacy makes it an attractive option for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as they plan for its revival going forward.
Kalinga Cup
The Kalinga Cup is a tournament with a long legacy of tradition and history. First held in 1962, the Cup was organised by the Football Association of Odisha and the Department of Sports and Youth of the Government of Odisha annually. Having previously seen big Indian clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan SC take part in it, it is no wonder that this competition had become so popular in its heyday. Despite being planned to be held yearly, the schedule has been sporadic from time to time. The last edition took place in 2016. Considering all these factors associated with it, All India Football Federation (AIFF) should consider restarting this iconic Cup for maintaining its legacy.
IFA Shield
The IFA Shield has a long and distinguished history. Beginning in 1893, it is both the third-oldest football tournament in India and one of Britain’s oldest colonial sports legacies. During these early years, British army regiments were often dominant, intriguingly suggesting the Indo-British social dynamics of the day. But in 1911 Mohun Bagan’s win was to prove seismic for Indian football by toppling the British from their pedestal and turning toward a path of independence. This momentous event has become a celebrated part of Indian cultural folklore. In more recent times Inter Milan (Italy), Penarol (Uruguay) and Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) have all featured in the tournament, adding their own chapters of global prestige. That said, though still proudly going strong today, what once epitomised world-class competition has sadly become somewhat overshadowed due to a lack of interest over the recent years.
