Football Deserves a Push in Gujarat

• Bilkul Online
• Ahmedabad | 24 May 2026

Parimal Nathwani

In a country where cricket dominates headlines and public imagination, football has steadily carved its own space through passion, persistence, and global appeal. Competitions like the Indian Super League (ISL) and the work of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have contributed to the sport’s growth nationwide. Yet, in states like Gujarat, football still awaits the focused push it deserves.

Gujarat is a land of entrepreneurs and global thinkers. It is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, robust infrastructure, and strong sporting culture. However, football remains underdeveloped despite huge efforts by the Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA), Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), some football clubs and academies as well as a few entrepreneurs. Football too, like cricket, is a multibillion dollar global industry. Strengthening the football ecosystem in the State is a need of an hour. It can open doors for sports management, sports medicine, tourism etc.

At the grassroots level, football needs systematic nurturing. Schools and colleges in Gujarat often prioritize cricket, leaving football with minimal infrastructure or coaching support. Introducing structured inter-school leagues, certified coaching programs, and accessible playing grounds could significantly boost participation. The GSFA has taken steps in this direction to strengthen football from grassroots to professional clubs, but the scale and consistency need expansion.

Urban centers like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara have seen a rise in recreational football culture—turf grounds, amateur leagues, and weekend tournaments. This is a promising sign. However, without a clear pathway from grassroots to professional levels, many talented players remain undiscovered. Gujarat lacks a strong presence in national football circuits, which further limits visibility and aspiration for young athletes.

Investment is another key factor. Corporate sponsorships and public-private partnerships can play a transformative role. Just as businesses in Gujarat have fuelled industrial growth, they can also support sports development by sponsoring and funding tournaments both for men and women under various age groups taking place in the frame work of the GSFA. That will help the state-level teams and professional clubs competing regularly at national level competitions. This would also provide a focal point for talent and fan engagement.

Equally important is fan culture. Football thrives on community energy. Encouraging local clubs, organizing city-based leagues, and hosting exhibition matches can build a loyal fan base. Exposure to global football—through broadcasts of leagues like the English Premier League—will provide impetus to create interest among youth. The challenge is to convert the passive viewership into active participation.

More importantly, the Government support can act as a catalyst. Policies that allocate land for football grounds, integrate sports into education, and provide incentives for sports startups can accelerate growth. Football is not just a sport; it is a tool for fitness, discipline, teamwork, and social cohesion.

Gujarat has all the ingredients—youth, resources, and ambition. What it needs now is direction and commitment. With a strategic push involving institutions, businesses, and communities, football in Gujarat can evolve from a fringe activity to a mainstream sport. The opportunity is real, and the time to act is now.

(Shri Parimal Nathwani is President, Gujarat State Football Association, Rajya Sabha Member and Director, Corporate Affairs of Reliance Industries Limited.)