Want to see Hero I-League spread to every corner of India, says Shaji Prabhakaran

NEW DELHI: Broad basing the beautiful game across the country is one of the primary objectives of the AIFF, and its Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran feels that the Hero I-League has a huge potential in helping the Federation reach its goal.
“We would like to see the Hero I-League take place across every corner of the country,” said Dr Prabhakaran to the-aiff.com. “The more clubs we have from different parts of the country, the better it would be for Indian Football. Our league structure aims to have more clubs and more games at every level, and that is where this motivation comes in to see new teams play.”
The current Hero I-League season is being played across 10 different states across the country, Dr Prabhakaran hopes to see that number increase as the seasons go on.
“Rajasthan United are having to play their home matches in Delhi this season for various circumstances. We hope that from next season they can play in their home state, which will further increase the outreach of the league,” he said. “And maybe we will be able to see more teams play in the leagues as well – maybe teams from places like Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland and so on. That is what will make football really grow. In the end, it’s all about the talent at the local level.”
As per the new strategic roadmap of Indian Football, the winners of the Hero I-League from the 2022-23 season onwards will have the opportunity to gain promotion, subject to club licensing criteria. The Secretary General believes that this would give the clubs in the league more incentive to put their best performances on the pitch.
“We have seen that everyone automatically tries to give their best in every game when there’s the possibility of promotion. Also, the whole preparation and approach to such a season tend to change for the clubs that really want to be at that level,” he said. “It is extremely significant that this will happen for the first time in India. We will now see tougher fights between the teams, and that will surely increase the level of competition, and thus produce better players for the future.
“It will also make the leagues more interesting for the fans. That is why we need a better league structure.”
The Hero I-League, over the years, has been a closely fought affair, with the title being decided on the final day in seven of the last eight seasons. The ongoing league campaign has been no different, with just four points splitting the top four teams at the winter break.
“The ups and downs of the competition are one of the main pillars to create greater value for the league. That is the beauty of football and the success of any competition, and the I-League is living up to that. Last few seasons the title was decided on the final day, and we hope that the scope for promotion to the Hero ISL will further increase the fight for the top spot this season,” he said.
The 2022-23 season of the Hero I-League is being broadcast at a higher level with matches being telecast on Eurosport and DD Sports and streamed live on Discovery Plus. Dr Prabhakaran feels that the higher quality of the broadcast also adds to the league’s brand value in the long run.
“It’s exciting to see the quality of the broadcast in the I-League. We had some initial hiccups with certain technical issues, but it all looks good now. DD Sports and Eurosport are both broadcasting, and there is streaming on Discovery Plus, which has really increased the reach of the I-League,” he said. “But the work does not stop here. We must keep working hard on these aspects to make sure that it really grows much bigger and reaches across various parts of the country.”
Real Kashmir FC has enjoyed one of the best crowd support this season, with a packed stadium being seen in Srinagar, something that adds to the charm of football being played in front of a backdrop of snowclad mountains. Dr Prabhakaran feels that this kind of atmosphere is bringing back what was missing in the Hero I-League.
“It’s exciting to see the matches, especially the ones in Srinagar. It is absolutely bringing back what was missing in the league the last two seasons. I hope we can reach more such regions of the country and further spread the league,” he said.
Also Read: Kenkre FC and DK Pharma play out thrilling 1-1 draw
Also Read: Sanchit Singh scores twice as KSA beats Mumbai Strikers SC
Hashu Advani Centennial Cup / Local Football
Union Bank of India clinch Inaugural Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Union Bank of India defeated Kalina Rangers in the final to clinch the inaugural edition of Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Mumbai Super League: Mumbai Ultras & Waves FC secure crucial wins to shake up the standings
On Day 2 of the Mumbai Super League final round, Mumbai Ultras and Waves FC picked up vital victories against Brothers WA and Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP), respectively, setting the…
South United FC announces Trials for their Residential Academy
South United Football Club (SUFC) announces the upcoming trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held at the Club’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League: Mohd. Khatib’s late equalizer rescues a Point for MH Oranje FC against Mumbay FC
MH Oranje FC salvaged a dramatic late equalizer in the dying seconds of added time as Mohd. Khatib’s strike deep into the injury time denied Mumbay FC all three points…
Mumbai Soccer Prodigies Crowned Champions in thrilling Mumbai Super League Finale
A come from behind win helped Mumbai Soccer Prodigies to lift Mumbai Super League title while a last gasp equalizer helped Waves FC finish runnerups
FC Goa break 13-game-long winless run against Mumbai City FC with 3-1 victory
FC Goa defeated Mumbai City FC by 3-1 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 to break their 13-game-long winless run against the Islanders in…
Reliance Foundation Young Champs crowned regional champions with 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association
Reliance Foundation Young Champs grabbed an impressive 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association in the regional final of Dream Sports Championship’s Mumbai leg at the Cooperage Football Stadium on Friday….
Mumbai Super League-Final Round: Nihal Colaco Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick for MSP while Waves & Brothers Drew
The Mumbai Super League Final Round got underway with contrasting results in both fixtures. Nihal Colaco’s second half hat-Trick helps MSP with 3-0 win while Waves & Brothers settle for a draw
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…