Something remarkable is happening in Indian football right now. Yes, there are challenges—but more importantly, there's a awakening that could change everything.

When India welcomed Lionel Messi recently in a spectacular Rs 120 crore celebration, it reminded us of something beautiful: Indians have an enormous capacity to love football. We fill stadiums, we wear jerseys with pride, and we stay up late to catch matches from around the world. That passion is real, and it's powerful.

Now, India's own football heroes are asking us to channel that same energy toward the game at home—and people are listening.

Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan recently made a heartfelt appeal that resonated across the nation. These aren't just athletes; they're ambassadors who've given their hearts to Indian football. Their call to action highlighted the urgent need for structural support, and importantly, it's already making a difference.

The All India Football Federation has announced that the delayed 2025-26 ISL season will move forward. It's a crucial first step, and it shows that when voices unite, change begins to happen.

Here's what's truly exciting: this moment represents an opportunity for transformation. Indian football stands at a crossroads where increased awareness, public engagement, and strategic investment can reshape the entire landscape of the sport in the country.

Think about it. India has world-class talent waiting to shine. We have passionate fans who understand the game. What we're building now is the bridge between that potential and reality—the infrastructure, governance, and support systems that will allow homegrown players to flourish.

The same fans who know every detail about Premier League clubs are now turning their attention homeward. Sponsors and brands are recognizing the untapped potential of Indian football. Citizens are speaking up, demanding better structures and accountability. This collective energy is exactly what the sport needs.

Supporting Indian football doesn't mean loving international stars any less. It means expanding our passion to include the incredible athletes competing in our own leagues, representing our cities, and wearing the national colors.

When we show up for Indian Super League matches, we're not just watching a game—we're investing in dreams. Every ticket purchased, every match streamed, every jersey worn sends a message that Indian football matters.

The conversation has shifted from "What's wrong with Indian football?" to "How can we make Indian football great?" That's a fundamentally positive change. Players are speaking up, fans are engaging, and there's genuine momentum building.

This is India's football moment. Not despite the challenges, but because people are finally ready to face them together. When nearly 300 footballers were waiting for their season to begin, it could have ended in silence and despair. Instead, it sparked a national conversation about what we value and where we invest our passion.

The future of Indian football will be written by the choices we make today—and those choices are already trending in an exciting direction. The heroes have called. The system is responding. And India's football fans are ready to show the world what happens when a nation of over a billion decides to back its own.