India National Football Team: History and Achievements

All India Football Federation (India Football Association)

The entire operational process of the Indian football team is managed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The AIFF was created way back on 23 June 1937 and has been responsible for overseeing the entirety of the Indian football fraternity. The Indian national football team matches are managed and scheduled by the federation, as is the safety of the Indian national football team players. The AIFF is also responsible for the organization of leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, Indian Women's League, as well as cup competitions like the Durand Cup and the Super Cup.

History of Indian National Football Team: Early Years

Even though the Indian national football team played its first international match on 3 September 1938, a 5-3 loss to Australia, that was the Indian Football Team under British India's rule. The first recognized international match for the Indian football team was actually a 2-1 loss to France in the 1948 Summer Olympics. What made that game stand out was that the Indian national football team players played the game barefoot or in socks, because they weren't comfortable playing with boots.

The 1950s ushered in the beginning of what is probably the best era for the Indian national football team. Under the guidance of legendary Indian national football team manager Syed Abdul Rahim, the Indian football team won a number of notable accolades. They won the gold medal in the 1951 Asian Games, the first major achievement for the Indian football team. The Indian national football team coach, Rahim, had three stints as the Indian national football team manager, and it was under him that the Blue Tigers also won the Gold Medal in the 1962 Asian Games. The Indian football team had a brilliant outing in the 1964 AFC Asian Cup, finishing as the runners-up under the notable Indian national football team coach Harry Wright.

Home Stadium of Indian National Football Team

The Indian national football stadium has constantly changed over the years, as there is no fixed stadium to regularly host the Indian football team matches in 2025. However, for many years, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi used to be a regular home and acted as the Indian national football team stadium. Moreover, the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has also served as the Indian national football team stadium on various occasions in the past.

Moreover, the Fatorda Stadium in Goa has also served as the Indian national football team stadium in recent years. The capacity of the Salt Lake Stadium is the highest among those to have hosted the Indian football team matches, with the Kolkata stadium having a maximum capacity of around 65,000 in 2025. The Salt Lake Stadium has also hosted matches for popular Indian clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal since 1984. It also hosted the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup final, as well as hosting matches for the AFC Champions League Two, Indian Super League, and more major tournaments. Indian football fans turn up in huge numbers whenever the Indian football team turns up to play their home matches at the Salt Lake Stadium, with the attendance soaring well over 60,000 fans cheering on the Blue Tigers.

Indian National Football Team: Achievements & Honors

The Indian national football team might have gone through some major downfalls after the turn of the 21st century, but they have enjoyed their share of accolades too. Even though India have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, they have won some notable titles to add to their trophy collection. This includes their success in bagging the Asian Games Gold Medal twice, as well as multiple international tournaments.