India become sixth nation to bid to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

by Devesh Jaganath

image India become sixth nation to bid to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup
In an attempt to revive football in the country, India has officially turned in a bid to host the 2031 AFC Cup, as confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation last week. In doing so, India has now become the sixth nation to formally express interest in staging the continental tournament.

India face stern competition to win 2031 Asian Cup hosting rights

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officially confirmed India as the sixth country in the running to host the prestigious AFC Asian Cup in 2031 after receiving a formal bid from the nation last Wednesday. 

However, India will have to fend off stiff competition to stage the tournament, with Australia, Indonesia, South Korea and Kuwait also in the running, while Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have turned in a joint bid. 

Notably, the United Arab Emirates had withdrawn from the bidding process. While India has never staged the Asian Cup before, they had submitted bids to host the 2023 and 2027 tournaments but withdrew from the process on both occasions. 

In addition to attracting increased tourism, it is understood that a major reason behind India’s intention to host the 2031 event is to help improve the state of football within the country, especially given the current turmoil surrounding the Indian Super League. 

Beyond football, there is also a belief that staging the 2031 Asian Cup would provide India with the opportunity to prepare itself for potentially hosting the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, which is their main goal over the next decade. 

Uncertainty still surrounding ISL one week before resumption

The Indian Super League season has been confirmed to begin on February 14, but with less than a week before kick-off, there is still major uncertainty surrounding several teams, which could threaten a timely start. 

As of this past weekend, one team has yet to commence pre-season training, four sides have not confirmed their home grounds for the season, and the AIFF has yet to confirm whether Churchill Brothers will be allowed entry to the top flight. 

It is reported that Mumbai City FC and Odisha are still locked in discussions with authorities over the use of specific stadiums, with the latter believed to have submitted a request to the AIFF to have their first-round match against Punjab postponed. 

The AIFF have already had to postpone a handful of matches due to ground unavailability, and unless resolutions can be found, it seems likely that more games will have to be rescheduled. The season is expected to start this Saturday with Mohun Bagan taking on the Kerala Blasters.