Top 7 Most Popular Football Tournaments In India

India’s football scene which is full of history and passion flags a list of the major tournaments that were given by the country and thus resulted in great development of the sport in the country. Here are the top seven most popular football tournaments in India:

1. Indian Super League

The Indian Super League was established in 2014, and people quickly realized that it was truly the best football league in India. It had quite a number of franchises in different cities, from which were selected foreign players and trainers who contributed a great deal to the football quality in the country. The broadcasting of matches across the country and the positive professional attitude of all the teams alongside the full media coverage have led to the popularization of football among Indians.

2. I-League

Before the ISL came along, the I-League stood as India's top football competition. Kicking off in 2007, it keeps playing a key role in growing homegrown players and includes some of the nation's oldest and most famous teams. The I-League has helped keep the old-school football spirit alive in places like West Bengal Goa, and the Northeast.

3. Durand Cup

The Durand Cup, which kicked off in 1888, stands as Asia's longest-running soccer tournament and the world's third-oldest. It bears the name of its creator, Sir Mortimer Durand, and serves as proof of India's rich soccer history. Throughout its existence, the cup has welcomed both military and civilian squads highlighting a mix of fierce competition and fair play.


4. IFA Shield

Ranked as the most ancient tournament in the country, the IFA Shield has been hosted by the Indian Football Association since 1893. It became more recognized as it was in 1911 when Mohun Bagan Athletic Club achieved the glory of being the first Indian team with a title win. The team won against the East Yorkshire Regiment with a score of 2-1, accomplishing a feat that is still remembered dearly today.

5. Santosh Trophy

Initiated in 1941, the Santosh Trophy is an annual football tournament contested by state teams and government institutions. Named in honor of the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh, it has been a platform for regional talent to showcase their skills and has contributed to the sport's grassroots development in India.

6. Super Cup

The Super Cup was introduced in 2018 as a substitution for the Federation Cup. It encompasses a wide range of knockout football competitions for men that are held in India each year. It includes the best clubs from the ISL and the I-League, creating a new level of rivalry that enhances the Indian football scene.

7. Subroto Cup

The Subroto Cup, which came into existence in 1960 and was named after the Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Subroto Mukerjee, is one of the most prestigious inter-school football tournaments, aimed at promoting the sport among aspiring young students and identifying young talent very early in life.