Unleashing the Soccer Titans: When Will South Asia Dominate the Global Football Stage?
Unveiling the untapped potential: Exploring why South Asian countries, with their massive population, have yet to make a mark in global football Can the region overcome obstacles and rise to become a powerhouse?
Around a quarter of the global population consists of individuals from South Asian backgrounds, yet no country from the region has emerged as a dominant force in global football. The roots of football in the region can be traced back to the 19th century and British colonial rule, with India's Durand Cup being recognized as the third-oldest cup competition in the world.
When will a South Asian country be eligible for the World Cup and what does the future hold for football in the region? We interviewed players and experts in the field to discover the necessary steps needed to awaken one of football’s dormant powerhouses.
Just how big is football in South Asia?
Former Watford, Rangers, and Coventry City commercial director Raj Athwal made history in early 2021 when he became the inaugural British-born president of an Indian Super League club, taking charge of Odisha FC.In an interview with We News, Athwal expressed his astonishment at the immense passion for the sport throughout the sub-continent. He highlighted the record-breaking attendance numbers at the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017, when England emerged victorious, as evidence of India's long-standing growth and increasing popularity in football.
Football has traditionally held the title of being the most globally beloved sport, while in India, it has faced challenges in gaining traction due to cricket's overwhelming popularity. However, this paradigm is shifting, as indicated by Athwal's statement to We News. The noteworthy progress made by the national football team in recent years, specifically their rise from a low ranking to the top 100 nations in world football over the past decade, is a significant factor contributing to this change. Similar to the transformative impact of India's victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, the national football team's achievements are expected to have a crucial role in driving future growth for the sport in the country.
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"Back in 2019, the Indian Super League attracted a massive fan base of 350 million throughout the season. Moreover, India made a significant mark in the sports arena as they hosted the men's U17 World Cup, surpassing the previous attendance record set during the inaugural tournament in China back in 1985. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of over 1.3 million enthusiastic fans."
Football's growing popularity
The immense popularity of the sport can be attributed to this fact. While cricket undoubtedly holds sway, it is becoming increasingly evident that football fans are emerging with fervor, their passionate voices echoing through the stadiums. Such widespread support is a strong indicator of the direction that football is headed.Football's growing popularity
This fervor extends beyond the borders to neighboring Bangladesh, where incredible scenes from the country became viral sensations worldwide when Argentina triumphed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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Bangladeshi fans in Dhaka gather to watch Argentina's World Cup match on a large display screen. This event had such a significant influence that it led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina's foreign minister, Santiago Cafiero, and the Bangladesh Football Federation. This agreement includes a commitment to provide assistance to national and age-group teams, as well as support for coaching and refereeing initiatives.
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According to football consultant and journalist Arunava Chaudhuri, smaller South Asian countries like Bhutan and the Maldives, with a combined population of just 1.3m, are also enthusiastic about the game. Chaudhuri suggests that football is highly popular in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal as well.
Pakistan's football scene has certainly been revitalized by the nation's reentry into the international stage, according to Shahrukh Sohail, host of the Footballistan podcast.
"The interest in Pakistani football has experienced a magnificent surge," he expressed, highlighting, "These past few months have notably been the most remarkable that I have witnessed in the past 13 years, solely due to the Pakistani national team's participation.
"Although Pakistan hasn't attained any significant accomplishments in football, the immense viewership can be attributed to fans avidly following their beloved European teams as well as their keenness for the World Cup."
Developing a blueprint for success
Enhanced stadiums and training facilities were a consistent aspect within a more comprehensive set of investments in football in South Asia, according to the players, practitioners, and experts we interviewed.Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
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Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the captain of the Nepal Women's national team and goalkeeper for the Indian side Sethu, emphasized the need to enhance infrastructure, strengthen the domestic league, and generate greater opportunities for players to engage in international competitions and friendly matches.
South Asian football encounters a significant obstacle in the form of insufficient investment in development. Numerous clubs in the area face difficulties in offering fundamental amenities like training grounds, equipment, and coaching staff. Additionally, there is a requirement to enhance the local talent pool by investing in youth academies and development programs.
The challenges faced by Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are similar in nature. However, the Maldives stands out as an exception, boasting excellent facilities despite its comparatively small population in the archipelago nation. Alongside the notable 11,000-seat Galolhu National Stadium in the capital Male, the Maldives possesses a variety of stadiums and training centers.
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Kerala Blasters twins Mohammed Azhar and Mohammed Aimen, originally from The Maldives, relocated to India to pursue their football careers. They recently engaged in a conversation with Dev Trehan from We News at the Emerging Hammers event in East London.
On another note, Pakistan's federation successfully obtained FIFA approval for eight projects between 2005 and 2015 through the governing body's 'Goal' programme.
At the 2023 FIFA Master Conference in Switzerland, Beatrice Caliani, former project manager of Lyon Women's team, highlighted the lack of progress in building technical centers and field facilities across the country. Although some projects did receive funding from the Asian Football Confederation and the government, only one out of the planned eight facilities, the federation's headquarters, is fully operational. The remaining projects either saw incomplete construction, under-utilization, or were ultimately canceled. The unsustainability of these projects can be attributed to issues such as fund mismanagement, political instability, a lack of financial transparency, and disputes among stakeholders.
Pakistan was later disqualified from participating in international competitions by FIFA due to third-party interference. The country made its comeback in 2022 after years of being absent from the international stage. Sohail emphasizes the necessity of upgrading and repurposing existing stadiums in Pakistan, as well as establishing a domestic league, in order for football to flourish in the country.
Pakistan's infrastructure in South Asia is arguably the weakest, which is disheartening considering the progress made by Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and even Bangladesh, not to mention India. According to We News, this disparity puts Pakistan at a considerable disadvantage. Without a proper domestic structure, our country has been struggling in the competition. Many of our players lack exposure to competitive football and yet are expected to perform at the international level. Consequently, they are severely hindered and unable to effectively compete.
Can diaspora players help countries in the region excel?
The focal point that requires attention is pertinent to both the women's game and the men's game. Addressing this issue will effectively tackle domestic football problems and pave the way for numerous opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and management professionals. By synergistically working together, all these elements can contribute to the growth and advancement of football in the country.Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
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Pakistan's re-entry into the world of competitive international sports has witnessed the participation of numerous footballers from the diaspora, including a notable presence of British-Pakistani players like former England youth captain Easah Suliman and ex-Manchester United prodigy Otis Khan.
Pakistani-origin players worldwide are now filled with dreams of playing for the Shaheens, which includes Imran Kayani, a striker for Dover Athletic. "There have been discussions, and with the blessings of God, I hope to have the opportunity to represent the national team," shared the 21-year-old, who previously played for England Schoolboys, in an interview with We News.
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"Playing for Pakistan would be a dream come true. Your whole country behind you, representing the badge - there will be no better feeling. It would be unbelievable."
Sri Lanka players 'struggling' without international football
Other players, such as former Gillingham striker Marvin Hamilton and 21-year-old attacker Dillon De Silva, have also had the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage. Despite being born in Britain, these two players have chosen to play for Sri Lanka.However, Sri Lanka's national team faced a setback earlier this year when FIFA imposed a ban on them due to government interference.
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Camden-native Sri Lanka national Dillon De Silva has recently joined Torquay United on a permanent contract. De Silva acknowledges the hardships faced by players in the absence of international football.
"It's evident that the current situation is far from ideal as everyone's ultimate desire is simply to engage in football," he informed We News.
"The players are facing hardship. Their main goal is to reunite and resume playing, to reconnect with one another. I cannot ascertain the exact timeframe for resolving this issue, but my hope is that it will be resolved in the foreseeable future."
Are India missing out?
India's laws currently prohibit individuals of Indian origin or those holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card from representing the nation in prestigious international sporting events.Odisha FC president, Athwal, believes India is at a disadvantage due to the absence of the opportunity to choose skilled football players from abroad. "Fans are divided on whether players of Indian heritage should be allowed to represent the country," Athwal stated.
In my opinion, if you have Indian heritage from a different country, possess the ability to contribute and have a desire to represent your homeland, thereby enhancing the squad and boosting their rankings, it can greatly benefit the nation.
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There are two perspectives on this matter. Public statements from players like Yan Dhanda and a few others expressing their desire to play for India indicate that they can bring something valuable to the team, and I agree. Their inclusion will enhance the squad and improve the team. It only makes sense to utilize their talent if it can help accelerate India's journey to the World Cup. Chaudhuri, a former journalist and former head of communications at Mumbai City FC during the opening season of the Indian Super League, believes that assimilating diaspora talent will expedite India's progress in reaching the World Cup.
The speaker mentioned Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal considering the inclusion of players of foreign origin, which has improved these teams. Bangladesh's captain Jamal Bhuyan, who was born in Copenhagen, and Sri Lanka's player Waseem Razeek, who was born in Berlin, are examples of players with diverse backgrounds contributing to their respective teams. The Pakistani players who participated in the SAFF Championship in India also had a positive experience.
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Open Privacy Options: The primary focus should be on enabling players like Danny Batth, Yan Dhanda, and Dilan Markanday to represent India. This should not be limited to them alone, but also extend to players from different parts of the world who can contribute and enhance our team's performance.
"I think that would fast-track our development and would make our journey towards a World Cup a bit quicker and a bit faster."
The rise of women's football
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The region is witnessing a significant surge in women's football, as exemplified by the astonishing scenes witnessed in Dhaka, the capital city, and across the nation. Last year, when the Bangladesh women's team returned home after clinching the title of South Asian Football Federation champions for the very first time, it highlighted the immense progress made in women's football.
Bangladesh's women's team have been playing together for just over a decade, but national captain Sabina Khatun emphasizes that their victory in the SAFF Championship was not unexpected.
"Our triumph in the 2022 SAFF championship was the most significant accomplishment for the Bangladesh Women's team," she stated. "The journey began in 2010 and success gradually followed in our age-level teams at U14 and U16 from 2016."
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"Primarily, the majority of players come from families of lower or middle-class backgrounds and they engage in football to financially support their families and fulfill their needs. Universities offer tremendous prospects for football players, and I believe that girls are now more driven towards football than ever."
However, the women's football scene in South Asia has faced similar challenges to the men's game. As a consequence of government interference, the Sri Lankan women's team has also been suspended from international competitions due to a ban imposed by FIFA. Once this ban is lifted, Poornima Perera, the captain of the national team, anticipates a promising future for the upcoming generation of talented female players in Sri Lanka.
"The interest in football among female players has significantly increased," she expressed to We News. "With the lifting of the existing football ban in our country, I anticipate a rejuvenated participation of women's footballers in international competitions.
"I firmly believe that upcoming soccer players will encounter superior opportunities compared to the ones I was fortunate to have experienced."
Bhutan women's football 'still in its infancy'
Bhutan national team captain Pema Choden Tshering underscores the need for education and investment to promote the development of women's football in the country, mentioning that the sport is gradually gaining momentum. Despite being in its early stages, women's football in Bhutan is evolving, and Tshering expresses her optimism regarding the increasing interest and participation of girls in the sport.Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
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"More investment and visibility for women's football in South Asia would really boost the quality of the game and its popularity.
We must invest additional funds in game development and empower women. Furthermore, we should educate the other half of the population to embrace, appreciate, and acknowledge women in sports, as this will also contribute to the overall progress.
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A British South Asian woman has never played for the senior England national team, but in the last 12 months, three girls from England - Nadia Khan, Zahmena Malik, and Amina Hanif - have represented Pakistan. Pakistan was reinstated to international football by FIFA. Khan, an attacker for Doncaster Rovers Belles, made history in Pakistan's final group game against Mauritius by scoring four goals. She became the first woman to achieve this feat for the nation in an international match.
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In a thrilling Pakistan international debut match against Comoros in Saudi Arabia, London Seaward attacker Malik made a lasting impact three months later. The 21-year-old player impressed the audience with a remarkable 89th-minute assist, as her perfectly executed back-heeled pass resulted in Pakistan's winning goal. The incredible play quickly gained attention and spread like wildfire across the internet.
"I hadn't actually planned it, but I did glance behind me and noticed a player who seemed to be fishing in the box," Malik revealed to We News when asked about her goal contribution.
"On a whim, I decided to give it a go, and fortunately, my teammate Anmol Hira managed to convert it. It wasn't a deliberate tactic – sometimes the most remarkable moments unfold unexpectedly."
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I didn't spend much time thinking about representing British-Pakistanis on the global football stage. My main focus was on my game and preparing to the best of my ability.
I now comprehend my obligations, especially when compared to before. You serve as a significant influence on these ambitious young girls. My objective was to conduct myself in the most exemplary manner possible, while also motivating and supporting Muslim girls and South Asian girls to participate in playing football.
According to podcast host Sohail, the progress achieved by the Pakistan women's team has instilled a fresh sense of optimism and aspiration among football enthusiasts in the country.
"For us as a country, it's finally been that we can discuss something that is not related to the politics of the sport in the country," he said.
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This was the first time we had engaged in passionate football discussions, solely centered around on-field events. The Pakistan Women's team recently competed in the SAFF Championship, while the men's team played a friendly match against Nepal in November, marking their return to the game after approximately three-and-a-half years. Similarly, the women's team made their comeback after a long hiatus of eight years.
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The women's team has embarked on an impressive streak, participating in 10 matches within a span of 9-10 months. Considering that the team had previously only played 13 games altogether, this accomplishment signifies a major triumph for them. The evident progress made by the team is clearly visible.
What needs to happen to take the game to another level?
"Now, Pakistan is finally taking action - with numerous tasks at hand, such as revamping the domestic structure and conducting elections. However, we can now take pride in having a national football team that we can fully support," Sohail stated.Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
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I believe the most crucial step for Pakistan is to establish a professional league, and while we can examine each aspect separately, this is the root issue that needs to be addressed. This absence of a professional league has persisted for a significant period of time.
The fact that Pakistan has not taken the necessary steps to address this in the past demonstrates the extent to which we have fallen behind. However, I also see this as an opportunity - since nothing has been done thus far, any actions taken will have a significant impact, as we are already competing without it.
To achieve this, draw inspiration from various countries. Vietnam, in particular, offers valuable lessons for Pakistan in terms of establishing a sustainable domestic structure.
Similarly, India and its Indian Super League serve as a comparable market for creating mass-appealing products. Although not solely due to its market size, India's demographics and psychographics closely resemble those of Pakistan.
"I believe it is important for Pakistan to establish a league structure that truly reflects its identity. It is not about simply adopting or imitating ideas from other regions; instead, it entails selecting successful aspects from other nations and adapting them to suit our local context."
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When constructing something from the ground up, the foundational elements hold great significance. Hence, when developing a league structure for Pakistan, incorporating private investment becomes crucial. It is essential to create a product that resonates with viewers when observed on television.
Achieving the ideal balance between the appropriate product, effective broadcasting, a well-structured league, and a sustainable business model for the long run is imperative.
'South Asian region needs India at a World Cup'
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Chaudhuri emphasized the importance of India's participation in a World Cup for football to truly thrive in South Asia and the entire region. He stated, "It is crucial for India to not only have a World Cup but also actively participate in it, as this would be instrumental in catalyzing the growth of football."
The growth of Bangladesh cricket was catalyzed when the country was granted participation in Test cricket and One Day Internationals, surpassing football as the dominant sport. Similarly, in order for football to flourish in South Asia and the wider region, an equivalent breakthrough is crucial. With a considerable appetite and fervent interest, such a milestone would signify a significant advancement for Indian football.
Former India coach Constantine: I don't see it
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Stephen Constantine had two spells as India national team manager
Speaking to Pete Smith, a senior football journalist at We News, earlier this year, Stephen Constantine, a two-time former India manager, expressed his belief that the country is far from reaching its potential. When questioned about the possibility of India qualifying for a World Cup in the near future, the Englishman responded with skepticism, stating, "I don't see it."
"We just about managed to secure a spot in the Asian Cup this time, with all three games being played here in Calcutta against weaker teams," mentioned Constantine. He departed from his position as manager of East Bengal, an Indian Super League team, in April.
"If attention is not given to the development of coaches and nurturing young players... I have confidence in the talent available, but without proper nourishment, it won't flourish."
'I'm very open to being pleasantly surprised'
It has been a significant issue for India ever since my involvement in 2000. With 23 years dedicated to football in this nation, it is disheartening that we have not made as much progress as I would have hoped. This situation truly saddens me.
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Pema Choden Tshering, captain of the Bhutan national team, believes that neighboring countries in the region currently have a greater advantage in women's football.
"I am optimistic that the women's game will gain immense popularity. My hope is for South Asian countries to rapidly advance and foster the growth of the game, not only narrowing the gap but also achieving equality with the rest of the world," she expressed. "However, for Bhutan, I believe this progress may take a while."
Nepal captain: Players need the right support
In terms of when Bhutan and other South Asian countries can compete on the world stage, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the skipper of Nepal, expressed her perspective. She opined that the next Women's World Cup in 2027 could be a possibility for some South Asian nations. Although she admitted that her viewpoint might be slightly optimistic, she remained open to the pleasant surprise of an earlier competitive entry, given the appropriate level of support."Nepal and other countries in South Asia are making progress in their global rankings, and with some luck, they may soon have the opportunity to compete on the international stage," she stated confidently.
"It's hard to predict whether this will happen tomorrow or in the next decade. However, if players have access to the essential tools like technology, knowledge, nutrition, and medical facilities, alongside well-organized competitions and adequate training, it is highly likely that we will witness their presence on the world football platform within a relatively short span of time."
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British-Pakistani trailblazer Malik, who is still only 21, hopes she can be part of something magical with the Pakistan national side in the next decade.
"The future holds great promise for Pakistan, and I have full confidence in our captain, Maria Khan, who genuinely cares for the team. This plays a crucial role in establishing a strong base," she expressed.
"With high hopes, we aspire to script a historic success and envision representing Pakistan in prestigious events like the Olympics or a World Cup within the upcoming decade."
