Parliament Question: Declining Competitiveness of Indian Football

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Department of Sports LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2350 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 Declining Competitiveness of Indian Football 2350. SHRI JAI PRAKASH: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has undertaken any assessment of the reasons for India’s declining performance in the international football, including its FIFA ranking and performance in major international and continental tournaments during the last three years and the current year; (b) if so, whether the Government has evaluated the effectiveness of existing schemes for football development, including grassroots talent identification, coaching standards, sports science support, infrastructure development and participation in domestic leagues; (c) if so, whether the Government proposes to formulate a long-term National Football Development Strategy in collaboration with State Governments, educational institutions and football associations, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA] (a) to (d): Promotion and development of a specific sport discipline is the responsibility of the concerned National Sports Federation (NSF), which in the case of football is the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Page 1 of 3The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has recognised the AIFF as NSF for the promotion and development of football in the country. Rankings of football teams are dynamic and influenced by match results, strength of opposition, and frequency of matches. The Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous body under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, regularly engages with the AIFF to review the performance and overall development of the sport and provides its advice accordingly. Under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs, the AIFF is being provided with financial assistance towards training of athletes, which includes all requisite facilities for their preparations including wholesome nutritious diet, food supplements, equipment support, state-of-the-art infrastructure, lodging, travelling facilities, services of reputed Indian and Foreign Coaches/ supporting staff, scientific & medical support, sports kit, etc. besides financial assistance for their training abroad and conduct of national championships in Sub Junior, Junior and Senior Categories, conduct of international tournaments in India, participation in international competitions in India and abroad. For the said purpose, an ACTC (Annual Calendar for Training and Competition) budget is approved for each NSF, including the AIFF, every year. The norms under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs have been revised on 22.05.2025. The scheme ensures robust grassroots development, professional coaching, scientific support to athletes, and increased exposure through support to NSFs for hosting and participation in international sporting events. It also prioritizes grassroot development and capacity building of coaches and technical staff. Apart from above, the following measures have been undertaken: i. The football has been supported by inclusion in Khelo India Youth Games and promoting talent through Khelo India Academies and State Centres of Excellence. ii. Facilitating infrastructure and sports science support at National Centres of Excellence. Page 2 of 3Further, SAI through its various sports promotional schemes, encourages the sports of football, across the country, to identify talented sportspersons in the various age groups and nurture them to excel at national and international levels. ***** Page 3 of 3