Touchline talks more than action

The men’s team did put Up some eye-catching performances this year but Indian football was dominantly embroiled in off-the-field issues between different stakeholders. Vishnu Prasad reflects on India’s run in 2023...

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WHEN 2023 began, there was hope that this would be a year of change for Indian football. A new regime had taken charge at the All India Football Federation after years of rule by the same faces. A new roadmap, mapping out plans for the next 25 years, had just been released.

Asian Cup qualification had been secured almost 18 months in advance, leaving all stakeholders with enough time to map out a plan to prepare for the tournament. There was talk of a renewed focus on women's football. And the Indian Super League the country's top flight-was going to enter into its tenth year, a notable landmark.