AIFF Prez Kalyan Chaubey shares his thoughts building football-only stadium in Bengaluru, Asian Games preparations and more

Kalyan Chaubey opened up on AIFF’s plans for developing the sport in the country.

Ahead of the start of the new domestic season, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey joined national team coaches Khalid Jamil, Crispin Chhetri, Naushad Moosa, and Joakim Alexandersson in a joint press conference on Friday, September 19 in Bengaluru. Senior AIFF officials, including the Vice President and Deputy General Secretary, were also present.

After years of inconsistency and frequent coaching changes, Indian football finally witnessed a turning point. Under the guidance of Khalid Jamil, hailed as the miracle man of Indian football, the Blue Tigers surprised everyone by clinching a bronze medal at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

The Indian U23 team, led by Naushad Moosa, also impressed with their performances, narrowly missing out on qualification for the AFC U23 Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Indian women’s football brought pride to fans as both the senior and U20 sides secured qualification for the AFC Asian Cup after decades.

Also Read: Head coach Naushad Moosa opens up on India U23 players getting senior team call-ups, need for more playing time

Bengaluru’s need for a football-exclusive stadium

Kalyan Chaubey stressed Bengaluru’s growing importance as a football hub and highlighted why the city deserves a dedicated football stadium.

“Bengaluru definitely needs a football exclusive stadium. Last time, when we had the Santosh Trophy in Saudi Arabia, Karnataka won it after 54 years. Football is a very popular sport in Bengaluru and even urban girls come to play this game in large number.

Plus the climatic conditions in Bengaluru are ideal. Bengaluru has a lot of potential for the growth of football. AIFF is planning to build a football exclusive stadium in Arunachal Pradesh and we might soon have one in Bengaluru too,” Kalyan Chaubey said.

The Indian senior men’s national football team recently held a camp in Bengaluru ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. Bengaluru FC, in partnership with the Centre of Sports Excellence, unveiled modern training facilities in Yelahanka, including India’s first hybrid training ground and a 9-a-side grass turf.

Can India reclaim its Asian dominance?

Indian football has a glorious history in the Asian Games, having won gold in 1951 on home soil and again in 1962 in Indonesia. Despite this legacy, recent years have been less encouraging.

India returned to the competition in 2022 at Hangzhou after nine years, but a round of 16 defeat to Saudi Arabia ended their campaign. With the 2026 Asian Games in Japan ahead, India is eager to script a revival.

“Last time when we sent our contingent to take part in Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, it was an all together different experience. It was after nine years that we took part in that competition. Right now, many of our under 23 players are registered with ISL clubs.

Once the league structure and everything takes place, we shall have a collective conversation with all our stakeholders to ensure that the Indian national team participates in the upcoming Asian Games with adequate preparations.” Kalyan Chaubey added.

Kalyan Chaubey shares updates on strikers’ crash course plan

Earlier, Chaubey had spoken about a “crash course” for Indian strikers, which drew criticism. He clarified that it will instead be a structured finishing school program to sharpen players’ skills.

“It is not a crash course, how it has been perceived. It is a finishing school where a few selected strikers will learn the skillsets required to convert an opportunity into a goal. We are planning to organise this camp after every 90 days, and we are also in consultation with our international partners to bring the best strikers for the finishing school program,” Kalyan Chaubey explained.

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