India has the potential to break into the top-50 in the FIFA rankings, according to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This statement came after a meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) leadership, including AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, and Mandaviya, where they discussed the existing AIFF-FIFA Academy in Odisha and plans for the establishment of four additional facilities in different zones. Mandaviya emphasized the need for a detailed plan to be implemented over the next decade to achieve a FIFA ranking below 50.
“India boasts one of the largest pools of young talent globally,” Mandaviya noted. “The focus should be on grassroots, talent identification, and nurturing these players along with coach development, which will be pivotal for the sport’s growth.” Since the inception of the FIFA rankings in 1992, India’s best position has been 94th in February 1996, and the team has only occasionally broken into the top-100. As of the latest FIFA rankings, India is ranked 127th, down by two spots from the previous month.
Mandaviya assured AIFF of government support in the development of Indian football, highlighting the growing interest in sports among Indian families as the economy expands. “Parents are now encouraging children to balance academics with sports,” he said. The AIFF presented a plan to Mandaviya, proposing the establishment of four regional academies with FIFA’s technical support, in addition to the existing facility in Odisha.
Currently, India has 25 professional clubs in the ISL and I-League, alongside 80 AIFF-accredited academies. AIFF plans to further develop football by enhancing training facilities and expanding its academy network. FIFA Talent Development Scheme Project Director Ged Roddy, who is in India for a review, attended the meeting alongside AIFF Secretary General Anilkumar. (With AIFF/PTI inputs)