'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup 2026 trophy, marking the start of preparations for Asia's oldest football tournament. She highlighted the tournament's role in nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and connecting people, while also drawing parallels to India's vision of becoming a developed nation.
The Indian men's senior football team and their head coach were denied entry to a press conference at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi due to a payment dispute between the Kerala Football Association and the stadium owners.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.
The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.
The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.
'We have already said that our judgment is only in the interregnum till the Act comes into play. These small things could have been easily taken care of. Anyway, we will seek the views of Justice Rao and issue a clarification.'
The Trophy Tour for the 135th Durand Cup has concluded in Kolkata, marking the final stop before Asia's oldest football tournament begins. Kolkata will host 16 matches, including the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby and the final. The tournament features 24 teams from across five cities, with West Bengal sports minister and the organising committee chairman emphasising the city's deep connection to football and the tournament's legacy.
West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik has announced an investigation into Diamond Harbour FC, a football club linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The probe will examine complaints regarding the club's formation, funding sources, expenditure, and alleged illegal occupation of training grounds. The Sports department is collaborating with the Indian Football Association on the inquiry.
India's English football coach Bob Houghton says state associations will have to be brought into the fold if India wants to finally achieve the aim of playing in the 2018 World Cup.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has announced an eight-year partnership with FIFA to broadcast all its matches, including the World Cup 2026, in the Indian market. The deal includes 39 FIFA global football events, with live coverage available on ZEEL's sports network and streaming platform ZEE5.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.
India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.
Priority will be improvement in quality of football: AIFF's new secretary general
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.
AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.
Sunil Chhetri might have bid adieu to his international career but he remains deeply attached to the fortunes of the team
The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has appointed Greek tactician Panagiotis Dilmperis as their new head coach on a one-year contract. Known for his attacking yet balanced style and ability to blend youth with experience, Dilmperis aims to build a disciplined and courageous side to compete for all trophies, acknowledging the high expectations and the significance of the Kolkata Derby.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed "in principle" to the club-led model of running the Indian Super League (ISL) for two years and has conveyed it to the sports minister, a top official said on Tuesday.
A goal scored under soccer's experimental 'daylight' offside rule was allowed for the first time in a professional match in the Canadian Premier League.
India face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, with Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for the future.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is evaluating commercial rights bids for its flagship competitions, including the Indian Super League and the Indian Women's League. The Executive Committee is also discussing the implementation of the National Sports Governance Act.
The newly-built stadium at Sariahtali in Nalbari district of Assam will host the seventh leg of Indian Athletics Series on June 6.
Should not entertain him, must be removed: Bhaichung Bhutia criticises AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey for corruption, mismanagement
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has defended its decision to appoint Amelia Valverde as head coach of the women's national team and addressed the controversy surrounding team kits during the Asian Cup.
A look at the careers of Indian sportspersons who have transitioned into politics, highlighting their successes, failures, and party affiliations.
The All India Football Federation is exploring the possibility of selecting Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) for the Indian football team.
Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.
India will face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match, with Australian-born winger Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for future assignments.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will hold a Special General Body Meeting to amend its constitution in line with the National Sports Governance Act and discuss the new commercial partner for the Indian Super League.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.
Canadian singer Nora Fatehi has released her latest international collaboration, "Siir Siir," which is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 music programme, marking another significant global milestone in her career. The track, featuring Vegedream, blends pop and R&B, celebrating her multicultural journey and expanding her international fan base.
English Premier League club Everton and Indian Football Association (IFA), the game's governing body in West Bengal, on Saturday announced a three-year tie up for grooming promising players in the state. Tony Farrel, former England international and technical director at Everton, said they would conduct a ten-day coaches' clinic from Sunday as part of the agreement.
Former footballer Aditi Chauhan and ex-hockey captain M M Somaiya will observe Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games trial, representing the IOA and Sports Ministry.
Lalit Modi reveals how a hesitant Shah Rukh Khan was persuaded to buy Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, helping create one of the IPL's most iconic franchises.
Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by the Shah Rukh Khan family and Mehta Group, emerged as the most valuable franchise.
The 72-year-old, also an eminent Congress leader, passed away today after being in coma since 2008, when he had suffered a stroke.
