Tamil Nadu Football Stuck in Doldrums Despite Santosh Trophy Knockout Run
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu football is mired in a prolonged slump, with systemic cracks glaringly evident even as the state team achieved a rare milestone by reaching the knockouts of the Santosh Trophy this year for the first time in over a decade. This fleeting success has not masked the deeper issues plaguing the sport in the region, prompting calls for urgent reform from within the football community.
Ajith Kumar Advocates for a Tamil Nadu Super League
Tamil Nadu footballer and former I-League champion Ajith Kumar believes that implementing a franchisee league, similar to neighbouring Kerala's highly successful Super League, could be the key to revitalizing football in the state. The 29-year-old fullback, who has played in the Indian Super League (ISL) for Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC and currently represents Diamond Harbour FC in the Indian Football League, emphasized the need for structured pathways to player development.
Speaking to TOI from Jaipur on Thursday, Ajith highlighted the disparity with other states: "Kerala has their own Super League which is famous, Bengal has a league, Gujarat also has a league. Maybe we can also have our own Tamil Nadu Super League. We don't have to find a new formula, all we have to do is follow what other states are doing." He added that such a league could foster better player conditioning and recovery, areas where local talent currently lacks exposure due to inconsistent playing opportunities.
Fan Engagement and the Legacy of Chennai City FC
Ajith also addressed the misconception that Tamil Nadu lacks a football fanbase, pointing to the enthusiastic crowds that attended the Brazil Legends match last year as evidence of latent support. "There is a fanbase here, but they don't get exposure or the time to enjoy football. There also hasn't been a league in 10 years," he noted, stressing that a regular league could help bring fans back to the stands.
Reflecting on the void left by the now-defunct Chennai City FC (CCFC), which won the I-League in 2019, Ajith lamented the absence of a club dedicated to nurturing local talent. "Definitely, if CCFC still existed, then we wouldn't go outside to play. Even with Chennaiyin existing, there isn't a club that supported local players like CCFC. Every other state has a club like that, but we don't," he stated, underscoring the critical role such institutions play in player development and state football pride.
Path Forward for Tamil Nadu Football
The call for a Tamil Nadu Super League comes at a crucial juncture, as the state seeks to build on its recent Santosh Trophy performance. Ajith's insights reveal a pressing need for:
- League Infrastructure: Establishing a consistent league system to provide regular competitive play.
- Player Development: Enhancing conditioning, recovery, and skill pathways for aspiring footballers.
- Fan Engagement: Leveraging existing fan interest through accessible and exciting football events.
- Local Club Support: Encouraging clubs that prioritize and invest in homegrown talent.
With intent and action, Tamil Nadu could emulate successful models from other states, potentially transforming its football landscape and reclaiming a prominent position in Indian football.
