India’s dream of making it to the AFC Asian Cup has come to an unexpected end, leaving players, fans, and football officials with many difficult questions. The team’s inability to qualify has reignited old debates about the quality of coaching, grassroots development, and the direction of Indian football as a whole. The disappointment is especially sharp because expectations were higher this time. In recent years, the national team under coach Igor Štimac (now replaced by interim management) had shown signs of improvement. India moved up the FIFA rankings and managed to earn draws and wins against stronger Asian sides. But when it mattered most, the performance fell short.

What Went Wrong for India?

India’s qualifying campaign was marked by inconsistency. While there were flashes of good football — solid defensive organisation and strong performances from players like Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte — the team lacked creativity and sharp finishing in crucial matches. Many games were lost or drawn in the final minutes, often due to lapses in concentration or poor decision-making.

Fitness and tactical discipline also appeared to be recurring issues. Against higher-ranked teams, the players struggled to maintain intensity throughout 90 minutes. Critics argue that part of the problem lies in the structure of Indian domestic football itself. The Indian Super League (ISL) has improved professionalism but may still not provide enough competitive exposure for Indian players compared to leagues in Japan, Korea, or West Asia.

Leadership and Planning Under Scrutiny

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) now faces pressure to rethink its long-term plans. After years of promises about improving youth academies and technical coaching, the lack of tangible progress is starting to show. While there are bright prospects like young midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad and defender Anwar Ali, their development has not been backed by a steady supply of equally talented players.

Former players and experts have called for an assessment of AIFF’s roadmap. Some suggest that India’s heavy reliance on ageing stars, particularly Sunil Chhetri, is unsustainable. Others believe the problem lies deeper — in limited scouting and investment at the grassroots level. The country may have passion for football, but passion alone doesn’t win international matches without good systems in place.

A Growing Fan Base, but Missing Results

Interestingly, football’s popularity in India continues to rise. Stadiums in Kolkata, Kerala, and the North-East are often packed, and millions follow European football every weekend. That shows a growing appetite for the sport, but international performance has failed to match public enthusiasm.

Countries such as Vietnam and Uzbekistan have achieved steady progress through structured leagues and national training programmes. India, despite its size and resources, has not replicated similar models effectively. A better link between the ISL clubs, national camps, and youth programmes could help create consistency and stronger technical foundations.

The Way Forward

Experts say that the end of India’s qualification hopes should not be seen only as failure, but as a turning point. With President Kalyan Chaubey at the AIFF’s helm, there is an opportunity to reform domestic frameworks. Increasing the number of football academies, organising more competitive tournaments for under-17 and under-21 levels, and hiring experienced international coaches could all make a difference. Investment and patience will be key. It might take years before India reaches the level of continental powerhouses like Japan or Iran. However, consistent planning could ensure the nation doesn’t have to experience another heartbreak in future qualifiers.

For now, the Indian football team’s AFC Asian Cup exit is both a setback and a wake-up call. It proves that while football in India has grown as entertainment, it still has miles to go as a serious sporting project.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.