Home / Sports / AIFF Chief: Grassroots Football Revolution Underway
AIFF Chief: Grassroots Football Revolution Underway
24 Mar
Summary
- Women's football participation increased by 234 percent.
- AIFF encourages clubs to make women's teams mandatory.
- Kochi to host India match after a decade, boosting attendance.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is driving a substantial transformation in Indian football, with a notable focus on grassroots development and the burgeoning women's game. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey reported a remarkable 234 percent rise in registered women footballers, now nearing 40,000 players. This surge signifies a pivotal moment, especially after the senior women's team's recent qualification for the AFC Asian Cup on merit.
Chaubey emphasized the strategic importance of clubs investing in women's football, encouraging mandatory team formations to leverage existing fan bases and attract corporate interest. This aligns with a broader vision to foster athlete-centric projects across various regions, mirroring successful state-level sporting initiatives. The AIFF is also working to address challenges in the Indian Super League, including the recent uncertainty surrounding commercial partnerships and stadium attendance.
To reignite fan engagement, particularly in cities like Kochi, an India national team match will be hosted there for the first time in ten years. Chaubey believes that consistent victories, akin to the national cricket team's success, are crucial for drawing larger crowds and bolstering the sport's popularity. The men's national team's recent underperformance is being analyzed, with confidence placed in coach Khalid Jamil's leadership to drive necessary improvements.
