Uttar Pradesh, the fourth-largest state in India, is on the verge of becoming a significant contributor to the country’s football scene. In an encouraging development, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to collaborate with the office of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to elevate the standard of football in the state. With the largest population in the country and a median age of just 21, Uttar Pradesh is home to a vast pool of young talent waiting to be nurtured.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey recently met with Chief Minister Adityanath to discuss strategies for enhancing the football landscape in the state. The goal is to create a competitive structure that will make the sport more accessible and appealing to the masses. The focus will be on player development, providing young athletes with the necessary guidance, exposure, and infrastructure to succeed at the national level.
Traditionally, Indian football has thrived in states like West Bengal, Goa, and regions in the south and northeast. However, the northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, have struggled to capture the same level of interest and support for the sport. Despite the presence of some notable clubs and academies, the potential in this region remains largely untapped.
Inter Kashi, an I-League team, became the first professional club from Uttar Pradesh to compete in a national league in 2023. The club has ambitious plans to reach the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football, under the guidance of multiple ISL title-winning coach Antonio Lopes Habas. With AIFF’s renewed focus on football in Uttar Pradesh, more clubs and players from the state could soon make their mark on the national stage.
This partnership between AIFF and the Uttar Pradesh government is a promising step toward unlocking the state’s football potential and providing a pathway for the youth to pursue successful careers in the sport.