The Indian National football team has had quite an amazing year. 2016 saw India climb to its highest ranking in six years. Not only that,Indian club Bengaluru FC reached the Asian Football Championship Finals. Quite Amazing, isn't it?
This year started on a high note for Indian football and it is ending on a brilliant note too. Five stadiums in India were approved by FIFA for the U-17 World Cup to be held in October 2017. New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Kochi, Margao and Guwahati will be host to FIFA's penultimate competition next year.
Although, 2015 was a disappointing year for India, in which they finished 166th in the FIFA rankings, this year, India jumped to the 135th position, a remarkable jump of 31 places in one year, all credit to the SAFF Cup victory. Not only that, India performed really well in the international friendlies too, including a 4-1 rout against 114th ranked Puerto Rico, in Mumbai.
FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP DEFINING MOMENT FOR INDIAN FOOTBALL: MR. PATEL: https://t.co/QtgW5dpmZU pic.twitter.com/7gYjbbKVMS
Every Indian dreams of our country being part of the FIFA World Cup and this year gives hopes to those millions of football fanatics who eagerly wait for that historic moment. India succumbed to huge losses in the World Cup qualifiers and finished bottom of their group.
Talking about the domestic campagin, Bengaluru FC ruled the proceedings in the I-League as they trumped historic clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to retain the I-League title.
That, folks, was just the beginning!
The Asian Football Championship saw the rise of India's new resurgence in football with Bengaluru FC, again reaching the finals of the coveted tournament against Iraq's Air Force Club. This was the first time any Indian club had reached the finals of a continental competition. Hats off, Bengaluru FC!
Yes, they are here for you @bengalurufc . Show your mettle tonight. #UnitedForIndia #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/NeXh2JWu4d
Formed only in 2013, Bengaluru FC has instilled immeasurable faith in Indian football followers with their two domestic league titles, continental runners-up medal and one Federation Cup title, all of which has been won by this mesmerizing club in their first three years of existence.
Not only that, Bengaluru FC fans are known to be one of the most loyal fans in India. TheWest Block Bluestraveled to every single match their team competed in and were given a special mention by Indian captain Sunil Chhetriwhen it came to unconditional, loyal support.
@chetrisunil11 walked in with the Trophy. Will @bengalurufc retain the 10th edition? @ILeagueOfficial #HeroILeague @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/KcFaNMKfAK
While Bengaluru grew by leaps and bounds, clubs like Salgaocar, Sporting Club De Goa and Dempo announced their withdrawal from the I-League. The AIFF announced a new league structure in December which could see the I-League merge with the Indian Super League post the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Last but not the least, the Indian Super League, which saw some of world football's most iconic figures competing in what was an amazing tournament, eventually won, yet again by Atletico De Kolkata. Well, now we know why Kolkata is the footballing capital of India!
To cap it all off, Praful Patel was elected as the new AIFF President for a third consecutive term and in December, the AIFF won the AFC Developing Member Award.
And that, is just the beginning!