Association football is one of the most popular sports in India. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the first FIFA event the country hosted. It was called the most successful FIFA U-17 World Cup ever, with a record-breaking attendance of 1,347,133, exceeding China's record of 1,230,976 from 1985. India also hosted the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and bid to host the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) is the governing body of football, futsal and beach soccer in India. It is a member of FIFA, and is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation and South Asian Football Federation.
The National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, due to ties with FIFA also known as the FIFA Santosh Trophy, or simply Santosh Trophy, is an inter-state national football competition contested by the state associations and government institutions under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the sport's governing body in India. Before the launch of the first national club league, the National Football League in 1996, the Santosh Trophy was considered the top domestic tournament in India. Many players who have represented India internationally have played in the Santosh Trophy. The tournament is held every year with eligible teams who are divided into zones, must play in the qualifying round and can progress into the tournament proper.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) is the governing body of tennis in India. It was established in 1920 and affiliated by International Tennis Federation and Asian Tennis Federation.
India has a history of sports dating back to the Vedic period, with Western sports having been imported during British rule. Cricket is the most popular spectator sport; it generates the highest television viewership, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) being the most-followed league in the country. Football has also gained popularity, with the Indian Super League (ISL) being the highest level of domestic football, and the national team winning multiple gold medals at the Asian and South Asian Games. Additional football accomplishments include India having reached the Groupstage of the 1960 Olympics, qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, and won the SAFF Championship. Other sports include kabaddi, badminton, tennis, and athletics, with kho-kho becoming the fourth-most viewed sport. India has also had success in field hockey, winning the World Cup and multiple medals in the Olympic Games. Sports such as golf, rugby, boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, motorsport, wrestling, and basketball are featured throughout the country.
The Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy, also known as Senior Women’s National Football Championship or simply the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy since 2024, is a women's football tournament contested by state associations and government institutions in India. The first edition was held in 1991 and is organized by the All India Football Federation to crown the national women's football champion each year. It is based on a league and knockout format.
Kerala United Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Malappuram, Kerala, that competes in I-League 3, fourth tier of the Indian football league system.
The Shillong Premier League is the second-level state football league in the Indian state of Meghalaya, below the Meghalaya State League, organised by the Shillong Sports Association (SSA), which is affiliated to the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA). It was started with 8 teams in 2010. Mawlai SC are the current champions.
Madhya Bharat Sports Club was an Indian professional football club based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The club last competed in the I-League 2nd Division, the second tier of Indian football league system. They also played in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League.
ARA Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Founded in 2016, the club is nicknamed "Ahmedabad Alphas", and previously competed in I-League 2nd Division. ARA FC is the first professional team from Gujarat to compete in the nationwide league. The club also competes in Gujarat SFA Club Championship.
Sports retain a very valuable position in the culture of Gujarat. Some of the popular sports played in Gujarat are cricket, kho-kho, badminton, football, kabaddi and table tennis. The Sports Authority of Gujarat presides and supervises the sporting activities under the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department. There have been many successful and popular initiatives undertaken by the authority to encourage the sports culture in Gujarat, Khel Mahakumbh' being an example. Gujarat has various levels of sports competitions including events of both larger and smaller levels.
The Indian football league system is the league structure of football club competitions in India. The highest level of men's club football competition is the Indian Super League. Indian Women's League, founded in 2016, is the highest level of women's football club competition in India.
The Madhya Pradesh Premier League is the top-tier state club league in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is organised by Madhya Pradesh Football Association (MPFA).
Sports broadcasting contracts in India include:
Rajasthan United Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Founded in 2018 as JECRC CF, the academy team participated in inaugural edition of R-League A Division in 2019, and clinched the title. In 2020, JECRC CF was rebranded as Rajasthan United. The club is currently competing in the I-League, the second tier of Indian football league system.
Madan Maharaj Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is also first professional football club from the state. They currently compete in Madhya Pradesh Premier League and were part of 2021 I-League Qualifiers.
2020-21 Madhya Pradesh Premier League is the first season of the top tier league in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is organised by Madhya Pradesh Football Association (MPFA).
The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) is one of the 36 Indian state football associations that are affiliated with the All India Football Federation. The MFA is the football governing body in the state of Meghalaya, India. The Meghalaya football team is also administered by the MFA. It sends state teams for Santosh Trophy and Senior Women's National Football Championship.
The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) is one of the 36 Indian state football associations that are affiliated with the All India Football Federation. It is the state-level governing body of football in Nagaland, India. The Nagaland football team is also administered by NFA. Nagaland Football Association manages Nagaland Premier League, the state football competition in Nagaland. It also sends state teams for Santosh Trophy and Senior Women's National Football Championship.
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