National football coach Stephen Constantine said his 'target' was to breach the 100 mark by the time his two-year contract expires.
India jumped two places to finish 2016 at 135, their best in the last six years, in the FIFA rankings published on Thursday. This is India's six-year highest annual ranking after 2009 when India finished at 134. National coach Stephen Constantine attributed the upsurge to all his players and the staff. "It can't be achieved without the help of the players. We have an exceptional batch of players as we are in the process of building the team for the future," Constantine said.
The sports minister promised government help to restore India football to its glorious past.
India face tough Iraq test sans Chhetri
Sporting clube de Goa confirmed they have formally withdrawn from I-League 2016-17 owing to "strong objections" to the proposed road map by All India Football Federation and its marketing partners IMG-Reliance for Indian football.
The I-League on Saturday suffered another jolt with Shillong-based Royal Wahingdoh deciding not to play in the upcoming season, citing 'lack of proper roadmap for the league' and financial inviability, thereby becoming the third club to pull out of the nation's top football competition.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
In his first visit to India since being elected the FIFA President Gianni Infantino labelled India as the "passionate giant," of Football. Infantino was in Goa as the local organising committee of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 (LOC) unveiled the official emblem for what will be India's first international football event.
Playing in a FIFA World Cup remains a pipe dream for India
For India to grow substantially in football, it needs a larger pool of skilled coaches and coach educators, says Jeremy Weeks, head coach of Premier Skills, an initiative of English Premier League.
But how much has the national team actually improved?
Relegated in their debut season, Aizawl FC were readmitted to make up the numbers when Goan clubs fell out with the All India Football Federation over the I-League and Indian Super League merger issue. They made the opportunity count by winning the I-League in only their second season to script a rare and incredible story in present-day Indian football.
Stephen Constantine has first hand knowledge of how difficult it is to wake up India from its soccer slumber but the Englishman insists he can make a difference at his second attempt or he would not have accepted the offer.
The postponed FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in India was on Tuesday rescheduled to next year from February 17 to March 7 after the world body made a "thorough assessment" of the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held from November 2 to 21 this year but was postponed last month due to the coronavirus outbreak, which brought global sports activities to a grinding halt.
News of all that transpired on and off the football field.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Former India footballer Gouramangi Singh's wife, Pushpanjali has been airlifting Indians stranded in different parts of the world and bringing them back home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country of 1.3 billion is finally waking up to the most popular sport on the planet. Kushal Das, secretary general of the All India Football Federation, has said the country is aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The final inspection will take place later this year following which the venue of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 will be named.
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said India must ensure that 'right steps' are taken as it targets qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
If an Indian born player with valid Indian passport thinks that he can play football, then All India Football Federation's Chief operating officer (COO) for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Abhishek Yadav is looking for you.
India stun Argentina in U-20 COTIF Cup football tourney
Indian U-17 team's performance was more of hype than actual achievement on the field.
Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia said not slotting international friendlies has got nothing to do with ISL dates. "We haven't slotted any international matches, and this has nothing to do with the ISL, nor are we giving importance to it. Instead, we had prioritized the national team to stay together for a one-month camp before they disperse to play ISL," Bhutia told reporters. Bhutia was in the city for the closing ceremony of Bhaichung Bhutia Champions Cup at Harvest International School.
It would be unfair to expect India to bedazzle crowds with eye-catching football. This team is built around stability, writes Dhruv Munjal
'Chamling's legacy is toxic.' '7 out of 10 teenagers in Sikkim abuse drugs.' 'The youth are dying and the future looks bleak.'
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Benzema to stand trial in sex tape case, says lawyer.
'I hope Messi wins something with his national team and not only with his club, then he would have won everything with everyone'
FIFA legends Carlos Valderrama and Marcel Desailly on Wednesday advised the Indian colts to view the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup as a huge opportunity to shine on the international stage and perform to their potential.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Emirati Ahmed Khalil got a modicum of revenge on Guangzhou Evergrande captain Zheng Zhi when he pipped the Chinese to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Player of the Year award on Sunday.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances