Armando Colaco Discusses the Challenges and Future of Indian Football

Armando Colaco, the former national football coach of India, shares his insights on the current challenges in Indian football, including the decline of national pride, the striker crisis, and the importance of promoting local talent. He emphasizes the need for a promotion and relegation system to enhance competitiveness and advocates for the inclusion of Indian coaches. Colaco also highlights the remarkable progress of women's football in India, suggesting it as a beacon of hope for the future of the sport. His reflections provide a comprehensive overview of the necessary changes to elevate Indian football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 21:11 IST

Current State of Indian Football

Former national football coach of India, Armando Colaco, recently shared his insights on the challenges facing Indian football. He emphasized the diminishing national pride among players, the scarcity of opportunities for local talent, the necessity of a promotion and relegation system, and the positive developments in women's football. Colaco's tenure saw India achieve notable victories, including a historic 2-1 win against Qatar in 2011.

Diminishing National Pride

Colaco reflected on the current mindset of players, noting a significant shift from the past. He stated, "Players used to take pride in representing the national team, focusing on love for the country rather than financial gain." He questioned the effectiveness of the Indian Super League (ISL) in enhancing the skills of Indian players, suggesting that while the league offers financial incentives, it may not foster genuine passion for the national team.

Lack of Promotion and Competitiveness

Colaco criticized the absence of a promotion and relegation system, which he believes has weakened the competitive spirit in Indian football. He argued that without the pressure to fight for their positions, players lack motivation. He also expressed concern over the diminishing love for the country among players.

Striker Crisis

The ongoing striker crisis in Indian football was another point of concern for Colaco. He highlighted the long-standing reliance on iconic players like Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri, noting the lack of emerging talent to fill their shoes. Colaco recalled his efforts to phase out senior players to make way for youth during his coaching tenure.

Opportunities for Indian Strikers

Colaco pointed out that the current system favors foreign strikers, limiting opportunities for Indian players. He advocated for a balanced approach where at least one Indian striker is included in every team, emphasizing the importance of developing local talent.

Fundamentals and Youth Development

Colaco stressed the need for strong fundamentals in youth development, noting that successful youth teams often lack foreign players. He believes that proper training in basic skills is crucial for the growth of Indian football.

Support for Indian Coaches

Colaco expressed his support for Indian coaches, including the current national team coach Khalid Jamil. He highlighted the need for players to trust and respect Indian coaches, as they have the potential to lead the team to success.

Promotion-Relegation Debate

Colaco defended the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) stance on promotion and relegation, arguing that it is essential for the growth of football in India. He criticized the current model, stating that without promotion and relegation, teams lack motivation to improve.

Women's Football as a Beacon of Hope

Colaco praised the achievements of women's football in India, noting that the women's teams have outperformed their male counterparts. He highlighted the importance of supporting women's football to elevate the overall standard of the sport in the country.

The Path Forward

Colaco concluded by emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset and regional growth to foster football in India. He expressed pride in the progress of women's football and the role of organizations like Vedanta in supporting local talent.