Evolution of football passion in Delhi: An exploration of the current football scene
In the heart of India, the city of Delhi has a rich and storied history with football, a history that dates back to pre-Independence times. Clubs like Youngmen SC and Mughals SC, established by Old Delhi business families, were the pioneers of football in the city[1]. After Partition, new clubs such as Raisina SC, New Delhi Heroes, and Hindustan FC emerged and found success in local leagues like the Delhi Football League. Clubs from Delhi also competed in prestigious national tournaments like the Durand and Federation Cups[2].
However, since the 2010s, football in Delhi has seen a decline due to factors such as the loss of infrastructure—many grounds converted into residential areas—and the migration of key patrons after Partition. Today, no club from Delhi represents the city in the Indian Super League, the country's top-level football league. The city has only one club, Delhi FC, playing in the I-League, the next-rung league[3].
Financial instability has affected clubs across India, including in Delhi. The former Delhi Dynamos team of the ISL relocated to Odisha and rebranded as Odisha FC due to financial losses. Many Indian clubs, even prominent ones, face heavy operating losses and rely on limited revenue streams like central pool shares, which barely cover franchise fees[4].
Despite these challenges, Delhi remains a hub for grassroots and youth football. The prestigious Subroto Cup, an inter-school national football tournament held in Delhi each year, persists as a talent development platform, involving over 100 teams in various age categories and attracting international schools[5].
The Delhi Soccer Association (Football Delhi) oversees football activities in the region, with over 150 approved clubs, nearly 12,000 registered players, and several grounds including the historic Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium. The association has a long tradition of success dating back to the mid-20th century, winning trophies such as the Senior National Football Championship in 1944-45[6].
Local football clubs continue trials and grassroots development programs, such as those organized by Northern United FC and Delhi Cantonment Sports Club, aiming to revive competitive football in the capital[7]. However, the overall football culture in New Delhi remains in a rebuilding phase, marked by historical legacy but contemporary financial and infrastructural challenges.
Anuj Gupta, president of DSA, aims to revive the old spirit of football in Delhi. Through his organization Sudeva, he acquired Moonlight FC, one of the city's oldest football clubs. Gupta plans to launch an international-level football cup this year, aiming to revive the old experience of watching a live match in the Ambedkar Stadium[8]. He also plans to move old history into the Ambedkar Stadium once it is ready, including displaying photos of the old football clubs like Youngmen and others[9].
The future of football in Delhi seems promising, with the city's untapped talent being recognised. Anuj Gupta points to Korou Singh Thingujam, a Sudeva FC protege, who now plays for the ISL club, Kerala Blasters, as an example[10].
As the city navigates through its current challenges, the hope is that Delhi will once again rise as a prominent force in Indian football, reclaiming its historical glory.
References: 1. Youngmen SC 2. Delhi Football League 3. Delhi FC 4. Delhi Dynamos FC 5. Subroto Cup 6. Delhi Soccer Association 7. Northern United FC 8. Sudeva FC 9. Moonlight FC 10. Korou Singh Thingujam
- Despite the financial and infrastructural challenges, Delhi continues to foster a rich culture of grassroots and youth football, with the Subroto Cup serving as a platform for talent development.
- Anuj Gupta, president of the Delhi Soccer Association, aims to revive the old spirit of football in Delhi by launching an international-level football cup and displaying photographs of historical clubs like Youngmen SC in the Ambedkar Stadium.
- The future of football in Delhi appears promising, with untapped talent being recognized, as evidenced by Korou Singh Thingujam, a Sudeva FC protege, now playing for the ISL club, Kerala Blasters.
