Football, despite being the world's most popular sport, has not gained significant traction in India's Hindi heartland, with 90% of top players emerging from just nine states.

What's behind India’s repeated failure to find 11 world-class footballers? Research conducted by Richard Hood, the former head of player development of All India Football Federation, holds answers

A recent study conducted by Richard Hood, a UEFA ‘A’ and AFC Pro license coach and former head of player development at the All India Football Federation (AIFF), sheds light on the distribution of elite-level footballers in India. The study highlights that despite India's vast population of over 1.3 billion, a significant majority of top football talent emerges from just a few regions.

According to Hood's research, approximately 65% of elite-level footballers in India come from five states: Manipur, Mizoram, West Bengal, Punjab, and Goa. These states, with a combined population of about 124.3 million as per the 2011 Census, have produced 1,112 male players who have represented India in various national teams and domestic leagues over the past 22 years.

Further analysis reveals that nearly 90% of India's footballers originate from nine states and one city, including Greater Mumbai, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Sikkim, in addition to the aforementioned five states. This grouping represents around 20% of India's population but contributes to 90% of its top football talent.

The states of Manipur and Mizoram stand out as major contributors, accounting for about 31% of elite-level footballers, followed by West Bengal, Punjab, and Goa. Additionally, of the 152 players who have represented India since 2002, nearly 80% come from just six states and Greater Mumbai, with Punjab leading in player representation.

This concentration of talent underscores a significant gap in India's football landscape, particularly in the densely populated Hindi heartland. Hood's study emphasizes that this pattern mirrors trends in other countries like France, Argentina, and Brazil, where specific regions produce a majority of players.

The research aims to address the "birthplace effect" in Indian football, examining how various factors such as access to quality coaching, facilities, competitive opportunities, socio-economic conditions, and cultural influences impact sporting participation and player development. By identifying these factors, targeted interventions can be implemented to leverage strengths and overcome challenges in different regions, ultimately enhancing India's footballing prowess on the global stage.

In addition to studying participation numbers, the research also analyzes the playing time of Indian players in top domestic competitions and national teams over the last two decades. This analysis reveals insights such as the distribution of game time among players from different states and the challenges faced by homegrown players in gaining sufficient playing time, especially in key positions like forwards, which can affect their performance at the national level.