India's Football Rebound: Triumphs and Trials in 2025
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India's football scene has been marked by both triumph and turmoil in 2025. The year began on a high note for the Indian Women's League (IWL) as East Bengal clinched the title with a 100% home record, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured the Indian Super League double. However, the men's league has faced numerous challenges, including court hearings, lack of commercial interest, and conflicts between clubs. This has resulted in a mere handful of matches being played, raising doubts about the future of the top-tier men's league. The men's national team's failure to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup has been a major setback, with the team's campaign starting under Manolo Marquez and ending under Khalid Jamil with a defeat in Dhaka. Despite a bronze medal win in the CAFA Nations Cup in September, hopes were short-lived. Mohun Bagan's absence from Asia for the second year in a row due to a ban and fine has added to the woes. The club's refusal to release players outside FIFA dates has led to a war of words with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), with Khalid Jamil announcing that he will rebuild the team by looking beyond regular players. In a rare bright spot, Bibiano Fernandes and the Indian under-17 team have made headlines with their miraculous comeback against Iran, securing a spot in the next year's Asian under-17 finals. The women's team has had a more successful year, with a historic away win against Thailand in July, securing a spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup finals in 2026. This achievement has been hailed as a highlight of the year, with players and coaches expressing their confidence in the team's abilities. As the year comes to a close, there is hope that the men's top-tier league will resume in 2026, with a senior AIFF official assuring that it will happen. With three national teams to look forward to in 2026, including the under-20 women's team, which made the Asian finals, India's football fans are eagerly awaiting the new year.
