Rise of Indian football and how regional leagues are setting a new benchmark

Indian football has been on the rise in recent years as the nation continues to grow with the biggest sport in the world. The nation, devoted to cricket, has seen a meteoric rise in football in recent years with young stars making their name in the national leagues. While top metro cities continue to take the spotlight for big cricketing names, far from the mainland, northeast India is writing its own story in football as a chunk of the next generation is taking lessons in states like Mizoram and Manipur.

Rise of Indian football

Currently, players like Bipin Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Suresh Wangjam, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Lalengmawia have made their name on the national side’s map as they continue to impress. Clubs like NorthEast United, Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and others have been dominated by northeast stars. The league development system has been a major contributor, with mentoring and scouting done from a very young age.

Multiple players from northeastern states are plying their trade in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. The rich history of the state can also be underlined by the success story of Aizwal FC, who played in the playoff rounds of the AFC Champions League most recently. More than 25 per cent of the footballers in the ISL come from the northeast, which shows their rising dominance.

Recently Chhangte, born in Mizoram, played against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League for Mumbai City FC, which has increased the popularity and reach of the state on the global level.

What makes the region special?

Recruiting players at a young age and nurturing them in metro cities with the use of advanced training facilities has become a trend. Currently, majority of the Indian football youngsters are coming through the academies of northeast India, with Mizoram and Manipur being the top contributors. Children as young as five are taught to play football and are scouted for further development.

Naupang League lays the foundation

Naupang League’s rise in recent years has been a major factor in helping the kids develop big time and provide a platform. The eight-month-long football league aims at developing grassroots football in Mizoram region.

The league‘s latest season started in September across four districts of Mizoram - Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib and Lunglei, after a successful inaugural season.

The age group competition aims at the sustainable development of players at a very young age. What makes it interesting is its age categories of U6, U8, U10, U12, and U14. The engagement of the U-6 participants has increased with more activities planned during the match days other than organised matches. In addition, emerging talent sessions have also helped the growth of the league – which are dedicated sessions for children who show good potential and talent.

Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Naupang League in association with Mizoram Football Association currently operates on the football model of European clubs with more players like Bipin and Lalengmawia are on the rise. The RFYC through its scouts selected around 40 children for a week-long experiential trip to the RFYC academy in Mumbai.

While World Cup qualification still remains a step too far for the nation, it won’t be long before we see one of the players from India compete for top European clubs like Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.