India confirmed its interest in hosting the 2027 Asian Cup on Wednesday by joining a 5-nation race to host the tournament. The bid to bag the continent’s biggest footballing event can be considered as the country’s effort to secure international sporting recognition.
The likes of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already officially proposed to host the Cup. Iran and Uzbekistan have also confirmed their interest to bid. An All India Football Federation (AIFF) spokesman said that the country’s document will be sent to the Asian Football Confederation this week.
India has shown a massive interest in hosting international events in recent years. While the 2017 under-17 World Cup was held in India, it has already earned the rights to host the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup and the 2021 under-17 Women’s World Cup.
AIFF president Praful Patel said that the bid would strengthen India’s reputation as an emerging football nation. Speaking to reporters, Patel said “We look at it positively, we look at it aggressively. I have no doubt in my mind that India as a footballing nation by 2027 should be ready to not only host it but to participate in it meaningfully.”
According to Sports minister Kiren Rijiju, hosting the Asian Cup would be “a huge milestone” for the country which breathes cricket.
The Indian men’s football team is currently ranked 104th in the FIFA World rankings. However, the launch of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014 has drawn immense international attention towards the country.