Lok Sabha Question No. 3656 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Declining situation of Indian Football
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (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,  football
2. discipline 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.

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