Football is the most popular sport, with millions of spectators worldwide. Several tournaments and competitions have helped grow the sport and nurtured the country's local talents. From the Durand Cup to the Indian Super League, all these competitions have played a significant role in promoting football. In this blog, I have shared the list of other top football tournaments in India that have led to the development of the sport. Read the blog till the end to know more.
Football Tournaments in India
Indian Super League
The top division of the Indian football league system for men is called the Indian Super League (ISL). The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a business partner, are in charge of its administration. Thirteen football clubs now compete in the competition, though. However, the league is currently contested by 13 clubs. Currently, the league only uses promotion in its relegation and promotion procedures. Asian continental club competitions are open to ISL clubs. The league shield winners advance straight to the AFC Champions League Two group stage the following season.
AFC Asian Cup
The AFC Asian Cup is a primary football competition in which the senior men's national teams compete. It is the world's second-oldest continental football championship after Copa America. It is held every four years in Hong Kong until the 2004 tournament in China. The most successful teams are Japan (four times), Iran, Saudi Arabia (three times each), South Korea, and Qatar (twice each). There are even other teams that have achieved success, such as Australia (2015), Iraq(2007), and Kuwait(1980). Israel won in 1964 and was later expelled and joined the UEFA. In 2007, Australia joined the Asian Confederation, hosted the Asian Cup Finals 2015, and won against South Korea. From the 2019 tournament, 16 to 24 teams, with the qualifying process doubling as part of the FIFA World Cup Qualification.
IFA Shield
The IFA Shield is an annual football competition organized by the Indian Football Association, the football governing body in West Bengal. The IFA was established in 1893, and the IFA Shield tournament started in the same year. It is India's third oldest football tournament after the Durand Cup and Trades Cup and is counted as one of the oldest football competitions in the world. The notable foreign winners of this competition are Club Atletico Penarol of Uruguay in 1985 and Bayern Munich II in 2005. East Bengal has won the IFA Shield 29 times, while Mohun Bagan has won it 22 times. Several types of dribbling practices are undertaken by the players to succeed.
Durand Cup
The Durand Cup is an annual domestic football competition in India, first held in 1888 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It was hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). However, the tournament is the oldest existing
club football tournament in Asia and the fifth-oldest national football competition in the world. The most wins in this tournament were by Mohun Bagan SG, and that too for around 17 times. The Mohun Bagan SG secured the most consecutive wins from 1963-1965 and 1984-1986, East Bengal from 1989-1991, Highland Light Infantry 1893-1895, and Black Watch 1897-1899.
SAFF Championship
The SAFF (South Asian Football Federation Championship) is the main subcontinental association football competition for the men's national football teams, governed by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). However, all seven teams are eligible to compete in the tournament. India is the most successful team in this region and won the title 9 times, which is 7 times more than the second most successful team, Maldives, which has won 2 times. Participating countries in this tournament are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The tournament is held every two years. In 2005, Afghanistan joined the SAFF, and in 2015, it left the SAFF and became a founding member of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA).
I-League
The I-League was established in 2007 as the successor of the National Football League. In the first edition, ten teams participated, each playing 18 matches throughout the season and a well-known football tournament in India. The I League is the men's second professional football division of the Indian Football League system behind the Indian Super League.
The competition was founded in 2007 as the successor to the National Football League, with the first season starting in November 2007. However, the league was launched as India's first top-tier professional football league to increase the football players pool for the Indian National Team.
Super Cup
The Super Cup, also AIFF Super Cup, is an annual football cup competition in domestic Indian football. It is another well-known football tournament in India. It was founded on February 19, 2018, as a replacement for the Federation Cup. It was founded on February 19, 2018, as a replacement Organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). However, the tournament is similar and holds the same weightage as the FA Cup in England or Copa del Rey of Spain. Initially, the tournament started as the Federation Cup, and the Super Cup began in 2018. However, the tournament resembles the FA Cup in England or the Copa del Rey in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Football Tournaments in India
What Is the Name of India's Oldest Football Tournament?
Durand Cup, first held in Shimla in 1888, was the first Indian football competition and is incidentally the third oldest surviving competition in the world. It was named after Sir Mortimer Durand.
Who Is Known as the Father of Indian Football?
The father of Indian football is Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari (1869–1940). He was an educationist, sports administrator, and football pioneer who played a key role in establishing football organizations in India.
Which Is Known as the Football Capital of India?
Kolkata is known as the football capital of India and is also known as the "Mecca of Indian Football."
Football tournaments in India play a vital role in promoting the game, evolving and reshaping the future of football. The football rules and regulations implemented are also helpful for the development. However, for sustainable growth, continued investment in infrastructure, youth development, and other programs are executed for a flourished outcome.
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