Indian Football Team: A Brief History
The
India national football team, also known as the
Blue Tigers, has a rich history that spans over a century. The team was formed in 1933 and has since participated in numerous international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the Asian Games.
The Early Years (1930s-1950s)
During its early years, the
Indian football team faced stiff competition from more established teams like England and Scotland. However, under the leadership of coach Syed Abdul Rahim, the team began to make strides in international competitions.
Year |
Competition |
Result |
1950 |
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers |
Lost to China 1-5 |
1952 |
AFC Asian Cup |
Runner-up |
The Golden Years (1960s-1970s)
The
Indian football team's golden era began in the 1960s, with the team winning several international tournaments. This period saw the emergence of legendary players like P.K. Banerjee and Chuni Goswami.
- The team won the Asian Games gold medal in 1962.
- They also won the AFC Asian Cup