THE JOURNEY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL

THE HISTORY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL

Football is the most popular sport in the world and India has a long and remarkable history related to football. Football was introduced to Indians by the English British soldiers

The reason football became famous and popular in India was due to the propagation and efforts of Nagendra Prasad Sarvadhikari when the first match was played in India in 1854. The match was between Calcutta Club of Civilians and Gentlemen of Belapur.

Durand Cup :

An annual international tournament of the time, the tournament was first held in Shimla in 1888.

The tournament is take and authorized by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF)

The tournament ranks among the oldest club football tournaments in Asia and the fifth oldest in the world

The game of football was widely played and popular in India at that time, so India was referred to as the Brazil of Asia by some.

MOHAN BAGAN FC :

Mohun Bagan FC came into being in 1889 as the first and oldest famous club in India

Mohun Bagan FC is the first club in India to produce a legend player who went on to represent India.

Also Mohun Bagan FC is called a legend club.

Legend Player in Indian Football History:

1. Gostha Pal : 1920-30

Gostha Pal Sir was originally from Bengal, he joined the Mohun Bagan FC club at the age of 16 years. 

where he went on to become the first captain of Indian football team due to his best skills and sportsmanship.Hence he is called The Legend of Mohan Bhagaan

2. Mohammad Salim : 1930-40

He also hails from the state of Bengal and he is a legendary player of Mohun Bhagaan. Salim Sir played on the winger position and was also the first Indian player to play in a foreign country and this is to pride to our nation.

3. Sailen Manna : 1940-50

It belongs to Bengal .

He play at Defender Position in Game. He is One of the Best Defender in India.

 In 1951, He sacrifice to won the Asian Games for India.

At that time a list was released by the English Football Federation of the best captians in the world,and in that list there was only one captian form Asia 

4. Peter Thangraj : 1950-60

He belongs to Andhra Pradesh

The best goalkeeper in the history of India and he had another specialty that he also played in the striker position.

5. I.M. Vijayan : 1990-2000

He was from Kerala, playing the Stricker position, a three time AIFF award winner in his career, and is still in India's top 2 goal scorers list due to his brilliant innings. He is also a legendary player of Mohun Bagan FC

6. Bhaichung Bhutia : 2000-10

They are originally from Sikkim

Bhaichung Bhutia will not be recognized by anyone in India

He played Stricker in this position and he is called one of the gift for India. He is the first player to sign to Europe club and to play.

7. Sunil Chettri : 2022

Sunil Chhetri is considered an inspiration and followed by young football players in India today

This is the best striker in Indian football

Till date, he has won the AIFF player award 6 times and is the current captain of the Indian football team

He plays for Bangalore FC in India's famous Indian Super League (ISL League) and is a legendary player today