The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary– Oct 11, 2022; Day 365

Kicking around (to discuss an idea or suggestion in an informal way): On future of football in India

The Indian Super League is crucial for Indian football, but so far it has failed to live up to its promise 

With the ninth season of the Indian Super League (ISL) commencing in Kochi and the ball set to roll at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar from Tuesday, football in India can finally put behind a chaotic (Completely unordered, unpredictable, and confusing) and unpleasant period that was littered (o make (a place) untidy by strewing) with boardroom battles and litigation in the nation’s highest courts. The two competitions have received fresh leases of life: the ISL has returned to the traditional home-and-away format after two stifling (Forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority) seasons in a bio-bubble (A bio-secure environment or bio-bubble is planned to prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19)), while the World Cup is back in the country’s embrace after seemingly slipping out of it, once in 2020 because of COVID-19 and then two months ago when FIFA suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and withheld the hosting rights. Under the new AIFF administration, the expectation is for these two championships to usher (to conduct or escort, esp in a courteous or obsequious way) in a productive era for the sport in India. The ISL is crucial for players’ preparation ahead of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. A good performance at the premier continental tournament can enhance the nation’s standing (Social or financial or professional status or reputation). The World Cup may provide impetus (A force that moves something along) to further the overall development of women’s football in the country, which is still in its nascent (Being born or beginning) stages.

It was eight years ago that the ISL was introduced with the aim of revolutionising the game. Months before that, in December 2013, India had won the rights to host its first global competition — the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. But since then, progress has been only incremental (Increasing gradually by regular degrees or additions). The ISL’s top-down approach, the lack of a pyramid of leagues held together by the principle of promotion and relegation (Authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions), and the absence of qualitative reforms at the grassroots have resulted in India languishing (Become feeble) at 106 in the world rankings and at 19 in the Asian pecking order (a hierarchy of status seen among members of a group of people or animals). The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a 48-team affair, expanded from the current 32. Eight spots are guaranteed for Asia, but India has to at least be in the top 10 at the continental level to have a realistic chance of qualification. The U-17 World Cup did trigger a change. A bunch of players, including the likes of Suresh Wangjam, Aniket Jadhav and Lalengmawia Apuia, flourished together at the AIFF’s developmental side Indian Arrows, then went on to become regulars for their ISL clubs and eventually secured berths in the Indian national team. Such a clear-cut trajectory (the way in which a process or event develops over a period of time) does not exist for the women. If the U-17 Women’s World Cup can help lay a similar pathway, it would have done its job.

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