KFA proposes training camps for India’s senior and U-23 men’s teams in Kerala

India has only played once at Kochi in the last 10 years

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has not been the best host for any football team that has reached the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for their matches in the recent past.

The organisation, which aimed to decentralise and expand sporting infrastructure by developing world-class sports cities and local sports complexes, has not had high regards as a result of its numerous actions that have hampered the sporting infrastructure of Kerala.

From creating barriers for the ISL club Kerala Blasters to creating controversial situations when the Indian National Football Team came to play at Kochi earlier this year in March, the actions of GCDA have sparked huge agitation among the fans and even the teams.

From having one of the most inflated rents to closing down the stadium a day before the match, from removing journalists from the stadium during a press conference to not denying the Indian National Team coach Khalid Jamil entry into the stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium slowly became a less esteemed venue to host a football match.

As a result of these actions, the Indian National Football team has played just one match in the last ten years, and even Kerala Blasters considered shifting their base from Kochi to Calicut.

While the internal problems ceased in the final moments, the continued uncertainty and disputes have caused serious trust issues within the GCDA.

However, as per the latest reports from Mathrubhumi, the Kerala Football Association is gearing up to partner with the Indian national football team to lay the groundwork for football development in the state.

The project is being prepared with the aim of creating more opportunities for Kerala football players by providing facilities for national team camps and other activities.

Kerala aims for the Odisha model as KFA seeks redemption

According to Mathrubhumi, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Kerala Football Association (KFA) are planning a model similar to how the Odisha government promotes Hockey India.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey held discussions regarding this with the new Sports Minister of the state, O.J. Janeesh.

The AIFF President spoke with the minister about football development during his visit to Thiruvananthapuram last month for Olympic Day celebrations. The minister responded positively to the initiative. The KFA proposed hosting training camps for India’s Senior and Under-23 Men’s teams in Kerala, and the AIFF gave the green light to the proposal.

During camp periods, local Kerala teams will get the opportunity to play friendly matches alongside the national squad. Local Kerala players will also get spots in training practice matches. Frequently hosting national camps in Kerala will pave the way for boosting the state’s sports infrastructure, aiming to bring back the lost glory of football in Kerala.

The KFA estimates that training camps can be set up at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi and the Payyanad Stadium in Malappuram, though further facilities will need to be developed.

The KFA meeting decided to move forward with the plan and conduct further discussions with the government. Recently, KFA representatives met with Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh for discussions. Indications suggest the government will clarify its stance once the project blueprint is ready.

If things go well, this will be a clear redemption for the Kerala Football Association (KFA) and the GCDA following the recent change in guard in the state. The initiative highlights the emphasis that the newly elected cabinet of Kerala has put on developing sports and other allied infrastructure.

What happened when India last played at Kochi?

The last time the Indian Football Team played a match in Kerala was on the 31st of March 2026, after a wait of 10 long years. The opponent for the fixture was the Hong Kong National Football Team, and the match was played as the final round fixture of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Early strikes from debutant Ryan Williams and left-back Akash Mishra in either half ensured the Blue Tigers secured their first win of the qualifying campaign.

The Blue Tigers made a perfect start to the game, with Ryan Williams marking his debut with a goal in the fourth minute.

A swift transition down the right flank saw a well-timed pass by Manvir Singh to Ryan, who tapped the ball past the goalkeeper to open the scoring. In the second half, Akash Mishra was the quickest to react during a Rahul Bheke throw-in, which sealed a victory for the Blue Tigers.

Even though Hong Kong scored in the final minutes, the men in blue held on their one goal lead and won the first game of the AFC Qualification Campaign and delivered a dream debut for Ryan Williams in the Indian jersey.

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