Pranika Dutta, a sixth-grader, explores the stark contrast between cricket and football in India, delving into the reasons behind Indian football lagging in performance despite its rich history.
If I were to ask any youngster to name the players of the recent Indian cricket team, most would likely rattle off the entire squad with ease. But what if the question were about football? I wager that only a handful could name the full Indian football team, and fewer still would be aware of their performance on the international stage. This stark contrast begs the question: Why is the youth of today more enamoured with cricket than football? Is it simply because India doesn’t have a glittering football ranking? Why is Indian football lagging so far behind?
It’s not that football is an alien concept in India; far from it. The enthusiasm for the sport is alive and well, but it is largely confined to state clubs in domestic leagues like Bengaluru FC and FC Goa. Fans rally behind their clubs with unwavering support, but the same enthusiasm seldom extends to the national team. This disconnect between club and country is one of the symptoms of a larger issue plaguing Indian football.
So, why doesn’t India boast a better ranking in the beautiful game? The reasons are many and varied. For one, the Indian national team doesn’t get enough opportunities to play friendly matches against top-tier international sides. The importance of these matches cannot be overstated—they are essential for gaining experience, building team cohesion, and identifying areas for improvement. Moreover, the time allotted for training camps is often insufficient, leaving the team underprepared for crucial fixtures. Compounding these issues is the frequent change of coaches, which disrupts the continuity and progression of the team. A new coach every year means new tactics, new philosophies, and, inevitably, a lack of stability.
However, it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when Indian football was the pride of the nation, a period often referred to as the ‘Golden Era.’ Between 1951 and 1962, India was dubbed the ‘Brazil of Asia,’ a title that was well-earned through stellar performances, including victories in two Olympic Games. This golden period was largely thanks to the visionary leadership of Coach Syed Abdul Rahim, whose dedication to the game was unparalleled. Under his guidance, the Indian team captivated the nation, defying expectations and playing with a level of skill and determination that left the world in awe.
Coach Rahim was a man of immense resolve, even in the face of adversity. India’s initial struggles, such as playing barefoot and the flawed selection of players, led to disappointing results. But once these issues were addressed, the team’s fortunes turned around dramatically. Despite the challenges, Rahim’s belief in his players never wavered. Even when he was dismissed by the federation following a semifinal loss and was battling lung cancer, Rahim remained undeterred. His indomitable spirit saw him reclaim his position as coach, and under his stewardship, India went on to win the Olympics—a triumph that remains one of the proudest moments in the history of Indian football.
Tragically, just nine months after this historic victory, Rahim passed away. Yet his legacy endures, a testament to what can be achieved with vision, hard work, and an unshakeable belief in one’s team. He showed the world that Indian football could compete at the highest level, and his faith in his players was reflected on the pitch.
Today, the question looms large: Can Indian football return to its former glory? Will we see a resurgence that once again positions India as a footballing powerhouse? The answer lies in the hands of the current youth, the next generation of footballers, coaches, and fans. We must hope that new figures will emerge, figures with the passion and dedication of S.A. Rahim, to steer Indian football back onto the world stage. With the right leadership and support, there is no reason why India cannot reclaim its place among the football elite.
