India has officially submitted a bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup, marking its ambition to bring a major international football tournament back to the country for the first time since the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is leading the effort, hoping to secure hosting rights against strong contenders.
This comes after India missed out on hosting the 2027 edition of the tournament. The country is currently participating in the qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup but is already looking ahead to 2031 as an opportunity to elevate its footballing profile.
Record Interest in 2031 Hosting Rights
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has received a record seven bids for the 2031 tournament, including a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa praised the overwhelming response, stating that it reflects the growing confidence and ambition of member associations.
“The unprecedented level of interest demonstrates the high aspirations of AFC’s member nations and their belief in their ability to host a prestigious event like the Asian Cup,” Al Khalifa said in a statement.
India’s Football Aspirations
Hosting the 2031 Asian Cup would be a significant milestone for Indian football, providing a platform to boost infrastructure, fan engagement, and the sport’s popularity. The country has been investing in football development, and a successful bid could further accelerate growth.
With stiff competition from established football nations, India will need a compelling proposal to secure the hosting rights. The final decision will be made after a thorough evaluation by the AFC.
Football fans across India will be eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping to see the continent’s biggest football spectacle unfold on home soil.
India Bids to Host 2031 AFC Asian Cup, Faces Tough Competition
