Football in India

Originally brought to the country during the days of the british empire, football has thrived for nearly a hundred year, and has a massive following in certain parts of India. The major football states are West Bengal, Goa and Kerala. The local big games in Calcutta regularly attract crowds of 100,000 and in Goa and Kerala, huge stadiums are full when any foreign teams come to play.

Back in the 1950's, India were the top club in Asia, but the national team have suffered during the last few decades. There is a genuine hope that the game is being run better now and with more emphasis on youth development, and high profile aid from Sepp Blatter at Fifa, it is surely only a matter of time before this true sleeping giant is woken.

Recently, the National Football League has been launched and the next season begins in November. Viva Kerala, based in Cochin, have been promoted this season so there will be an opportunity to catch a game when we are there.

For more about football in India, go to www.indianfootball.com