Indian football has faced a series of setbacks in recent months, with a loss to Afghanistan, a failed World Cup qualification campaign, and the retirement of star player Sunil Chhetri. The situation seemed bleak, particularly after two Indian teams, East Bengal and Muthoot Football Academy, suffered heavy defeats in the Next Generation Cup 2024. However, a surge of hope emerged from an unlikely source – Punjab FC’s under-21 team.
Punjab FC, the winners of the Reliance Foundation Development League, showcased their potential in London. They defeated the academy teams of Aston Villa 2-0 and Everton 2-1 in consecutive matches, securing a remarkable third-place finish in the tournament. This marked the highest achievement by an Indian team in five editions of the cup, proving that Indian youth players can compete with their European counterparts.
Their success wasn’t a fluke. Punjab FC’s coach, Sankarlal Chakraborty, implemented a strategy of continuous attack and quick possession regain, a departure from the defensive tactics often employed by Indian youth teams. This attacking approach, inspired by Pep Guardiola and Subhash Bhowmik, instilled confidence in the players and allowed them to overcome their fear of losing.
While East Bengal and Muthoot struggled with tactical limitations, Punjab FC’s approach yielded remarkable results. Their performance in the tournament has not only boosted the morale of Indian football fans but also provided valuable lessons for future generations. Two Punjab FC players, Kipgen and Pramveer, have been selected for the national U-20 SAFF Championships camp, while Karish Soram and Thoungamba Singh will join the U-17 camp. These players’ international experience will be crucial for India’s national teams, particularly under new coaches Ranjan Chaudhuri (U-20) and Ishfaq Ahmed (U-17).
Punjab FC’s success also highlights the importance of a robust youth development structure. Their academy in Mohali, under the guidance of Director of Football Nikolaos Topoliatis, provides players with a nurturing environment that fosters camaraderie and promotes holistic development. This model, inspired by Category 1 academies of Premier League clubs, could serve as a blueprint for other Indian academies.
Stellenbosch Football Club, another Indian team participating in the Next Generation Cup, also achieved a significant victory. They secured the tournament title after defeating Tottenham Hotspur, marking their third consecutive appearance in the final. This consistent success demonstrates the importance of long-term investment in youth development, a key factor that Indian football clubs need to prioritize for sustained success.
While the wins by Punjab FC and Stellenbosch FC offer a ray of hope, Indian football still has a long way to go. The success of these teams needs to be built upon, with a focus on strengthening youth development programs and implementing strategic tactics. This will be crucial for the future of Indian football and its journey towards becoming a global force.
