Parliament Question: Declining situation of Indian Football

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS) LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3656 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025 DECLINING SITUATION OF INDIAN FOOTBALL 3656.ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTSbe pleased to state: (a) whether the Government noted the declining situation of Indian football the country has slipped to the lowest FIFA ranking in the last nine years and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has done any review and assessed the reasons causing the crisis situation including administrative failure; (c) if so, the details of measures taken or proposed by the Government for corrective action; (d) whether the Government proposes to give more importance for the improvement of Indian football; and (e) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA) (a) to (c) Promotion of specific sports discipline is the responsibility of the concerned National Sports Federation (NSF).The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has recognised the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as NSF for 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. (d) & (e) 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. Also, footballdiscipline has been included in 196 Khelo India Centres and 19 Khelo India Accredited Academies, in which 113 Khelo India Athletes are being trained in football. ii. Facilitating infrastructure and sports science support at National Centres of Excellence. Further, 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. At present, a total of 500 athletes are being trained in football discipline. *****