Gujarat has remained on the periphery of India’s football landscape despite its sporting infrastructure and economic strength, said Parimal Nathwani, President of the Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA) and Rajya Sabha MP.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, he said, “Unlike states such as West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and the North-East, where football enjoys deep-rooted popularity, Gujarat has struggled to establish itself as a force in the sport.”
Nathwani noted that the GSFA has been active in recent years, working to improve the state’s presence in national football. However, he pointed out that the enthusiasm for football at the grassroots level has not reached the intensity seen in traditional footballing states.
“While cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara have stadiums and academies, football has largely remained a secondary sport in Gujarat, overshadowed by cricket,” he asserted.
He stated that Gujarat has had representation in the Santosh Trophy, India’s premier state-level football tournament, but has rarely posed a challenge to traditional powerhouses. The absence of Gujarat-based clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) or the I-League further illustrates the lack of a robust footballing ecosystem.
He further said that “Unlike in Goa or West Bengal, where football is a way of life, Gujarat has not embraced the sport with the same fervour.”
Nathwani highlighted that aspiring footballers in the state struggle to progress beyond local leagues due to the absence of competitive clubs in national competitions. While Gujarat has world-class cricket stadiums, dedicated football infrastructure, such as training centres and academies, remains inadequate. Sponsorships and corporate investment in football are limited, further hindering growth.
“Efforts to elevate Gujarat’s footballing status include integrating football into school and college sports curriculums, strengthening academies, and forming a Gujarat-based team in the I-League or ISL. Cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, or Surat, which have strong sporting cultures, could host such clubs. Football-specific stadiums and training centres should be developed through government and private partnerships to encourage young players. Attracting corporate sponsorships and hosting national and international football events could further generate local interest,” he suggested.
Nathwani emphasised the importance of structured initiatives. “Now since the GSFA is poised to prepare for its own Gujarat Super League (GSL) for the consecutive second year, I thought to pen down some of my views,” he stated.
He added that Gujarat has the resources and potential to emerge as a significant player in Indian football, but this requires a concerted effort from stakeholders, including the state government, football administrators, private investors, and football enthusiasts.
With the right strategies, he believes Gujarat can transition from a footballing outlier to a formidable force in Indian football, contributing to the sport’s growth nationwide.
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