Laxmi Negi/Rediff.com caught up with the two footballers to find out more about their time in the country.
Minerva Punjab did not turn up for the first match of the qualification round, prompting the national federation to describe it as a 'crazy' and 'unacceptable' move.
Kushal Das feels their model could be used as a case study for institutions and international sports federations which have seen their bio-bubble being breached
Lallianzuala Chhangte was named the AIFF Men's Footballer of the Year, on the back of his impressive performance in the Indian Super League (ISL) and for the national team.
Following the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, India would bid for both the 2018 Club World Cup and the 2020 Under-20 football World Cup.
'We will be starting with the U17 league first, followed by the U15 and U13. There will be spotters in most of the games of U13 leagues, to identify talents.'
Tata group has been a constant in India's sporting landscape and the conglomerate's involvement only grew under Ratan Tata.
A narrow 1-0 win was not enough for a desperate Mumbai City FC who were knocked out by FC Goa 5-2 on aggregate in the Hero Indian Super League semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Margao, on Tuesday.
As part of the 'Win in India with India' programme launched by FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2007, the football's world governing body has sanctioned 10 international standard artificial turf fields to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
India began the year on 97 in FIFA rankings, but after two wins, four draws and seven losses, the country ended 2019 at 108
Stimac had earlier also said that the results against Kuwait and Qatar in June will be the real indicator of the Indian football team's prospect of making a maiden appearance in the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
In a letter signed by Swapan Sadhan Bose, managing director of Mohun Bagan, the I-League clubs have urged the prime minister to "intervene and save the sport".
Sasmita Mallick found the net four times as India mauled Afghanistan 11-0 to storm into the Women's South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship in Colombo on Friday.
FIFA has told India's football association to complete changes to its constitution
The AIFF thanked Qatar Football Association (QFA) for allowing the team to arrive much before the matches and have a preparatory camp in Doha. QFA also used its good offices to allow the Indians start training without serving 10-day hard quarantine.
Renedy appealed to everyone to come forward and ensure that the northeastern state does not face the same trouble as the country's metro cities witnessed.
Salgaocar's Karim Bencherifa was, on Friday, offered a year's contract to become coach of the Indian football team but is unlikely to take up the job. His club made it clear that it will not release him for the national assignment.
The Indian football team will play against China for the first time in 21 years, and the first time away from home, in an international friendly in October, continuing its preparation for the prestigious Asian Cup next year.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
It did not announce a fresh date, but said Fransa will play Sporting Clube and Salgaocar on March 5 and 8 respectively.
ESU coach Ngampao Kipgen, a member of the Kuki tribe, told Reuters he was forced to flee to the hills with his family after his house was burned down.
With Chhetri and Stimac at helm, AIFF hoping for strong show in Asian Games
Former captain and current advisor to All India Football Federation, Bhaichung Bhutia has admitted that the eight-year old I-League has been a failure and feels that the 'successful' Indian Super League should be given a few more seasons before a possible merger of the two.
The tests would be conducted under supervision of the AIFF's medical cell and urine samples would be sent to a Malaysian laboratory.
The organisers of the much-anticipated Indian Premier League-style football league decided to defer the proposed tournament to September-November next year instead of early 2014.
His agent Simon Bayliss said the 22-year-old striker is not interested in playing for India and is all set to pursue his career in England.
Air India want the match to be rescheduled as they have granted leave to some of their players.
The AFC Challenge Cup, Asia's second biggest football tournament, may return to India after a gap of six years as the country is set to bid for the 2014 edition.
The AIFF issued a show-cause notice to senior men's team head coach Igor Stimac for making comments construed as a breach of agreement by his employers.
The Manchester United Premier Cup - India Final 2008, for under-15 footballers, which will be conducted across India from November 28 to January 20, 2008.
Described as a "nonsensical" tournament by national coach Bob Houghton, Santosh Trophy will not feature any member of the Indian senior football team this year.
Indian football head coach Igor Stimac hailed Sunil Chhetri, saying the talismanic captain was one of those who "glorified" Indian football with his dedication in the 15 years of his illustrious career. The 35-year-old Chhetri on Friday became only the second Indian after legendary Bhaichung Bhutia to complete 15 years in Indian jersey.
The All India Football Federation named Mahindra United's Shanmugam Venkatesh as the player of the year.
Last year, the Indian Super League began on October 20 while the I-League started on November 30.
Hockey coach Ramesh Parameswaran applies for Dronacharya Award
'Clifford did well to win the Super Cup for Odisha FC, and I'm sure we can expect a good performance from the Indian team.'
Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.
Uncertainty over the inaugural edition of India's Premier League Soccer (PLS) increased on Saturday when organisers disputed a claim from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that the competition had been cancelled.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday said the lack of top-class infrastructure still remains an impediment to the development of football in the country, while AIFF president Praful Patel lamented the absence of enough money in sports other than cricket. Considered the torchbearer of Indian football during his playing days, Bhutia felt while avenues have opened up now lot can still be done in the area of infrastructure.
Veteran India goalkeeper Subrata Paul on Wednesday earned a massive reprieve after the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) revoked his provisional suspension, letting him off with a warning with regards to violation of anti-doping rule earlier this year.
