National Football League in India: History, Teams & Highlights

6 min read
September 18, 2025
Political Commentary Shapes Public Opinion

TheNational Football League in Indiaand its teams have boosted the sport's popularity. They’ve won the hearts of fans across the nation in a remarkable way. These competitions give talented players a chance to show their skills. They also foster a deep love for the game. The Indian Super League (ISL) brings excitement, while the I-League has intense clashes.

Both leagues thrill fans with gripping matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Football competitions are gaining popularity. They unite communities, inspire young talent, and raise the standard of the sport in India. This surge of excitement is clearing the way for a promising future in Indian football.

How Many National Football League in India?

National Football League in India

There has been one National Football Association (NFL) in India. The All India Football Alliance (AIFF) introduced it in 1996. It was the country’s first national-level football league. It ran until 2007. Then, the I-League took its place to improve Indian football.

Related Article:Why Football is Becoming a Cultural Phenomenon in India?

TheIndian Super Association(ISL) launched in 2014 and is now the top league. When clients ask, “How many national football associations are there in India?” the answer is one official NFL. Yet, Indian football has since developed into the I-League and ISL.

National Football LeagueIn India Teams: Indian Super Alliance (ISL)

The Indian Super Association is a skilled football group. Along with the I-League, it is one of the top two levels in Indian football. The Football Sports Improvement (FSI) organizes the event. The All-India Football Federation sponsors it.

TheIndian Super League (ISL)is India’s top football league. It began on October 12, 2014. The league’s first champions were ATK, whereas the second season’s champs were Chennaiyin FC. The All-India Football League (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) run the league. It currently has 12 clubs.

FootballLeagueIn India: I-League

The I-League, or Legend I-League because of its tie with Saint MotoCorp, is India’s second-tier men’s football league. It features 12 clubs from across the nation. They compete for a chance to move up to the top division, the Indian Super Alliance.

The association started in 2007 to replace the National Football Alliance. It kicked off its first season in November of that year. India's first top-level professional football league aimed to expand the talent pool for the national team.

Football Competitions in India: Durand Cup

Football Competitions in India: Durand Cup

It has maintained a loyal following. This competition is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to before independence. Sir Mortimer Durand was the Remote Secretary for India from 1884 to 1894. He created the tournament. He chose to donate to boost sports competition in India. He realized how important sports are for maintaining health.

Read Also:What Is the Strap Hanging From NFL Players Pants 2025?

It started primarily for the British Indian Armed Forces stationed in India. Over time, it grew in popularity and welcomed civilian groups. Over time, it transformed into a more open and traditional sporting event. In 2006, the Armed Forces handed control of the competition to a civilian group. This marked the last major official change.

Football CompetitionsIn India:IFAShield

The IFA Shield is a football event started by India's first football governing body, the Indian Football Association. In this competition, Indian footballers proved they were as great as English players.

In 1911, Mohun Bagan made history by vanquishing the East Yorkshire Regiment 2-1. Whereas Mohun Bagan won the IFA Shield 20 times, East Bengal was the most effective group (with 29 title wins).

This alliance has seen fierce rivalries, like East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan. It has also invited several international clubs to compete. Iran, Brazil, Russia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, and North Korea have all played in the IFA Shield.

FootballCompetitionsIn India: Subroto Cup

The Subroto Glass Football Competition is a famous inter-school football event in India. They named it after Subroto Mukerjee, an Indian discus champion. The competition began in 1960 with about 50 school groups, including schools from Nepal and Afghanistan.

Over a long time, the competition has expanded to incorporate schools from all over the world. Since 1998, organizers have held the occasion in two age divisions: sub-junior (U14) and junior (U16 and U17). Madhyamgram Tall School in West Bengal has won the U17 competition seven times. They even pulled off a hat trick in 1981, 1982, and 1983.

Football Competitions in India: Santosh Trophy

The Santosh Trophy is an annual football competition in India. It features teams from states and government schools competing against each other. Bengal was the first winner. They now lead the all-time winners' list with 32 championships.

You Must Also Like:What Channel Is the Notre Dame Football Game On?

Before the National Football Alliance began in 1996, the Santosh Trophy was India’s top residential competition. It was a significant platform for many players. They later represented the nation worldwide. They gained recognition and awards while playing in the Santosh Trophy.

Football Competitions in India: Super Cup

The Super Glass is an excitingfootball competition in India. It's organized by the AllIndia Football Alliance(AIFF). It unites top teams from the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. Both are the main leagues in the country. Launched in 2018, it supplanted the older League Cup.

The Super Cup’s aim is to make a reasonable chance for clubs from both alliances to compete against each other. The setup usually has three parts: a qualifying round, a group stage, and knockout rounds. The knockout rounds include the semi-finals and the final. Winning the competition is an enormous bargain since it gives the winner a spot in the AFC Cup qualifiers.

Conclusion

TheNational Football League in Indiastamped a beginning point for present day club football in the nation. It was established in 1996. It ran till 2007, when it was supplanted by I-League. Numerous clubs, players, and fans were molded by NFL. Bequest remains. History remains. Its highs and lows are lessons. Indian football has been changed by it.

Clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo, Salgaocar are still best known. Fans review huge matches and contentions. Execution records are still cited. And the lessons of polished skill, competition, structure are still used.

For anybody who adores Indian football, understanding NFL is required. The roots of numerous current associations come from it. The clubs that ruled in NFL still stand. The stories of NFL are still told. The future of football in India is being formed in portion by what was started by NFL.

Indian Women Hockey Player Manpreet Kaur And Vandana Katariya

Indian Women Hockey Player Manpreet Kaur And Vandana Katariya

Hockey · June 04, 2025
Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Match Scorecard: Full Highlights &

Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Match Scorecard: Full Highlights &

Cricket · May 27, 2025
The Rise of Indian Tennis: From Vijay Amritraj to Sumit

The Rise of Indian Tennis: From Vijay Amritraj to Sumit

Tennis · May 23, 2025
How to Earn Coins Fast in FIFA Ultimate Team Without

How to Earn Coins Fast in FIFA Ultimate Team Without

Fifa · May 07, 2025