The Magic of Beautiful Game of Football
Why India Watches Every FIFA World Cup but Never Plays in One
Anil Kumar Sharma
Every four years, the FIFA World Cup transforms the world into one giant stadium. For a month, people forget their differences and unite in celebrating the beautiful game. Millions remain awake through the night to witness moments of brilliance that become part of sporting history.
India is no exception.
What has always fascinated me is that many Indians who hardly follow football during the rest of the year eagerly wait for the FIFA World Cup. They willingly sacrifice their sleep to watch matches played thousands of kilometres away. The next morning, discussions revolve around goals, tactics and star players. For those few weeks, football becomes the common language of millions.
This itself proves one important point. India does not lack football lovers. What India lacks is a football team that can inspire the nation on the world’s biggest stage.
My Journey with Football
My own love for football began much before television entered our homes. Like many youngsters of my generation, I eagerly waited for newspapers to read about the Santosh Trophy and the Durand Cup. Those were the golden days of Indian football.
Teams from West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab and Goa dominated the domestic scene. Clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting, JCT Phagwara, Dempo Sports Club and later Mahindra United were names every football enthusiast knew. Every tournament was followed with excitement, and every victory became a matter of pride for the supporters.
In those days, we had neither satellite television nor social media. Newspapers and radio were our only connection with the game. We knew very little about international football, yet our passion for Indian football was immense.
The arrival of television in the mid nineteen eighties changed everything. The first FIFA World Cup that left a lasting impression on me was the 1986 tournament in Mexico. The brilliance of Diego Maradona captivated football lovers across the globe as Argentina lifted the trophy. Along with him came names like Michel Platini, Gary Lineker, Lothar Matthäus and Careca. Gradually, our attention shifted from domestic football to the glamour of the World Cup and the famous European clubs.
Football Lives in Jammu and Kashmir
Whenever football is discussed, I cannot forget the rich football culture of our own Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
As youngsters, we eagerly watched local tournaments at Parade Ground in Jammu, where clubs competed before enthusiastic crowds. Every team had its loyal supporters, and the atmosphere reflected genuine love for the game.
In Srinagar too, football has always enjoyed immense popularity. Matches at Iqbal Park attracted passionate spectators, while children could be seen playing football in streets, school grounds and neighbourhood parks. Long before cricket dominated the sporting landscape, football had already found a special place in the hearts of the people.
Even today, clubs like Real Kashmir FC, J and K Bank Football Club, J and K Police Football Club and several amateur clubs continue to nurture talented players. Many footballers from Jammu and Kashmir have proudly represented India. Their achievements deserve greater recognition and stronger institutional support.
The Great Indian Paradox
Despite such widespread passion, India continues to remain absent from football’s grandest stage.
This becomes even more difficult to understand when we compare ourselves with countries that have far smaller populations. Nations from Central America and Africa regularly qualify for the FIFA World Cup despite having limited resources. In Asia, countries like Qatar, Jordan and Uzbekistan have made remarkable progress. Even countries that have experienced years of conflict, such as Iran and Iraq, continue to compete successfully at the highest level.
Clearly, population alone does not produce champions.
India once qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but did not eventually participate because of a combination of administrative decisions, financial constraints and the football priorities of that period. Whatever the reasons, it remains one of the biggest missed opportunities in Indian sporting history.
Today, more than seventy years later, India is still waiting for its World Cup debut.
Learning from the Success of the IPL
One question naturally arises. If India could build one of the world’s most successful cricket leagues through the Indian Premier League, why can we not create a similar success story in football?
The IPL has transformed Indian cricket by discovering talent, creating healthy competition and bringing the world’s finest players into the same dressing room as young Indian cricketers. The result is visible in the confidence and depth of Indian cricket.
The Indian Super League has certainly improved infrastructure and professionalism, but it has not yet generated the same emotional connection or competitive intensity. Indian football can learn valuable lessons from the IPL.
Professional clubs, public sector institutions and corporate houses should adopt talented children at an early age and support them through modern academies, quality coaching, sports hostels and international exposure. Young footballers should regularly compete against the best teams in Asia. India should also host prestigious international tournaments and invite renowned clubs from Europe, South America and Asia to play exhibition and preseason matches. Watching world class football from close quarters will inspire young players and raise the standard of the game.
The Road Ahead
India does not lack talent. Nor does it lack passion.
What we need is vision, continuity and commitment.
Football must begin at the grassroots through schools, colleges and district academies. Every state should have a structured pathway that allows talented youngsters to progress from local competitions to professional clubs and finally to the national team. Administrators, coaches, institutions and corporate sponsors must work with a common purpose instead of functioning in isolation.
As I conclude, I am reminded of the spirit of Shakira’s famous FIFA World Cup anthem, Waka Waka. Its message is simple yet powerful: keep moving forward with confidence, energy and determination.
That is exactly what Indian football must do.
The day millions of Indians stay awake through the night not to support Argentina, Portugal or Brazil, but to cheer for India in a FIFA World Cup match, it will not merely be a sporting achievement. It will be the fulfilment of a dream cherished by generations of football lovers.
I sincerely hope that day is not too far away.
(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE. THE Author is Columnist | Former Banker | Social Commentator. Email: anil.kumar.sharma9419@gmail.com)
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