Rajya Sabha MP and Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA) President Parimal Nathwani on Thursday claimed that Gujarat is emerging as a key player in India’s football landscape, with significant growth attributed to the combined efforts of various stakeholders, including the GSFA, the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), the All India Football Federation (AIFF), private clubs, district football associations, and corporate backing.
Speaking about the transformation, Nathwani highlighted the important role of grassroots development in the rise of football in the state.
“One of the major initiatives has been the Blue Cubs program, spearheaded by the GSFA. The recently held Blue Cubs Club Championship at St. Loyola Football Ground in Ahmedabad featured 23 teams, with seven teams from district football associations across Gujarat,” he said.
The 2023-24 Blue Cubs League saw 388 teams competing across various age groups, including U-8, U-10, and U-12, with matches played at 33 venues across the state. Over 4,200 young players participated, supported by 313 coaches and 178 operational representatives, reinforcing the GSFA’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
In a move to professionalise the sport, the GSFA launched the Gujarat Super League (GSL) in May 2024. Six teams, owned by young entrepreneurs from the state, participated in the league, which was played in a single-leg format with each team playing five matches.
Nathwani expressed his optimism for the future of the league, with plans for its expansion in the coming years.
“The GSFA is also focusing on developing club tournaments for both men and women across multiple age categories, reflecting its dedication to building a sustainable football culture,” he emphasised.
Despite football’s progress in Gujarat, Nathwani acknowledged the ongoing dominance of cricket in the Indian sports landscape.
He emphasised the need for a more robust football ecosystem in the state, which could be achieved by introducing Gujarat-based teams in national leagues, enhancing coaching standards, upgrading infrastructure, and providing financial incentives for players, clubs, and sports associations.
Strengthening partnerships with international football organisations, he added, could also elevate the game’s development in the region.
According to Nathwani, the future of football in Gujarat is bright, with continued investment in grassroots initiatives, professional leagues, and player development.
The GSFA has over 10,000 registered players under the AIFF’s central registering system (CRS), with 5,195 active players. During the 2023-24 season, more than 4,290 players participated in over 550 matches, with a total of 3,255 goals scored, reflecting the growing interest and participation in the sport.
“Gujarat has the potential to become a football hub in India, much like it has excelled in other sectors,” Nathwani concluded, expressing his confidence in the state’s growing football scene.
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