Does India Have Great Potential in Futsal?
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Synopsis
India's futsal journey is just beginning, yet with 17 participating teams in the AIFF Futsal Club Championship, there is a promising trajectory for growth. Head coach Reza Kordi believes in India's potential and is optimistic about their upcoming challenges in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers.
Key Takeaways
- 17 teams participating in the AIFF Futsal Club Championship
- Preparation for AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
- Head coach Reza Kordi's experience and vision
- Optimism about qualifying for the main tournament
- Need for more exposure and competition
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) Futsal in India is still in its early stages. Yet, with 17 teams taking part in the annual AIFF Futsal Club Championship, the sport is gradually making strides towards development.
Two years ago, the Indian men's futsal national team participated in their inaugural Asian qualifiers in Tajikistan. Now, the team is preparing for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from September 20 to 24 in Kuwait.
After scouting the finest talents from the AIFF Futsal Club Championship, the Indian men's futsal team has gathered in Bengaluru for a 20-day training camp ahead of the Asian qualifiers.
Reza Kordi, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian futsal team, was present in Rudrapur during the Futsal Club Championship and has gathered the top players from the tournament for the qualifiers. Hailing from Iran, Kordi brings extensive coaching experience from countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Myanmar, Thailand, and Afghanistan.
“I would like to thank the All India Football Federation for this opportunity,” Kordi expressed. “I believe India has immense potential, and now is the perfect time to foster a robust team culture.
“There isn’t a significant gap (with other countries). The primary difference lies in futsal knowledge and experience. Indian players are quick, clever, and possess a strong mentality—they just require more exposure. With the right structure and consistent competition, India can rank among the top four in Asia.”
India is placed in Group A for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, where they will compete against hosts Kuwait on September 20, Australia on September 22, and Mongolia on September 24. Looking forward to the qualifiers, Kordi is optimistic about the Futsal Tigers' chances of qualification. The teams that finish at the top of their groups, along with the seven best second-placed teams from eight groups, will join hosts Indonesia in the main tournament next year.
“Our opponents have had longer preparation periods, which could be a concern, but we’re not overly focused on that. We have excellent players, and the Federation is providing us with great support,” he mentioned. “We are all dedicated in Bengaluru, and I genuinely believe India has a strong chance of qualifying.”
As part of their preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, India will arrange several friendly matches, details of which will be shared later.
Point of View
I believe that India's foray into futsal, led by experienced coach Reza Kordi, is a significant step towards establishing a competitive presence in Asian sports. The potential is undeniable, and with continued support and development, we may witness an exciting evolution in Indian futsal.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of futsal in India?
Futsal in India is still developing, but with 17 teams participating in the AIFF Futsal Club Championship, the sport is gaining momentum.
When are the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled?
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers are set to take place from September 20 to 24 in Kuwait.
Who is the head coach of the Indian men's futsal team?
Reza Kordi is the head coach of the Indian men's futsal team, bringing a wealth of experience from various countries.
How does Reza Kordi view India's futsal potential?
Kordi believes that India has great potential and that with proper exposure and competition, the team can rank among the top four in Asia.
What upcoming matches are planned for the Indian futsal team?
The Indian futsal team will play several friendly matches in preparation for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, with details to be announced later.
