Richard Hood, former head of player development at the All India Football Federation (AIFF), has uncovered startling statistics regarding the origins of India's elite footballers.
The research reveals that over 65% of the nation's top football talent originates from just five states: Manipur, Mizoram, West Bengal, Punjab, and Goa.
These states, despite housing a population of approximately 12 crore, have produced a significant majority of male players who have represented India in junior and senior national teams, as well as domestic leagues, over the past 22 years.
Further analysis by Hood demonstrates that nearly 90% of India's footballers hail from a mere ten regions, including states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Sikkim, in addition to the initial five states mentioned.
The study highlights Manipur and Mizoram as the primary contributors to India's football talent pool, accounting for almost 31% of elite-level footballers.
The data also reveals that a significant proportion of players representing India since 2002 have originated from just six states and Greater Mumbai, showcasing a concentration of talent in specific regions.
Hood emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to address disparities in football talent distribution across India.
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