Indian Football's Model Needs Overhaul, Says Analysis

A new analysis reveals a significant geographic imbalance in Indian professional football. Players from merely 35 districts across mostly seven states have accounted for more than 80 percent of game time in all of India's professional matches over the last 11 seasons.

This concentration points to structural weaknesses in how talent is identified, developed, and distributed across the country. The finding suggests that Indian football's current model lacks a nationwide foundation and relies heavily on talent pools from a limited number of regions.

Experts argue the sport requires comprehensive rebuilding to develop talent more broadly and create sustainable pathways for young players across all states and districts.