FIFA Rankings: This rise of the Indian football team has been brilliant so far. From a nation that was struggling to fill up the stadiums to a point where we are in Pot 2 of World Cup qualification is just amazing.
India won their consecutive ninth SAFF Championship earlier this month. They also won the Intercontinental Cup earlier this year. And this has resulted in a significant rise in their ranks. Which is just wonderful to see.
For the first time in a very long time, India is ranked in double digits only. Before the SAFF Championship started, India was in 100th position and now they have jumped up one position to 99th.
Pot 2 For FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
This leap into double digits ranking secured India a Pot 2 place for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This not only highlights India’s progression in the past couple of years but will also be favorable for them in qualification.
The Pot 2 finish assures that India will avoid certain big-ranking teams in the early stages of qualification. Which increases the chances of them getting a favorable group and quality for the later stages.
Still No Asian Games 2023?
Amidst this rise, a raising question still remains as to why the sports ministry is not allowing India to participate in Asian Games 2023. The reason that the sports ministry gave was that the Indian team does not rank under the top 8 of Asian teams.
Which is visible in today’s ranking as well as India is placed 18th in the AFC rankings. But considering the scale of their improvement and massive popularity, this team deserves a chance to represent their nation in Asian Games.
Indian team coach Igor Stimac also wrote a heartfelt message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve their request. The decision will be made soon regarding the participation.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.