AIFF formally submits bid to host AFC Asian Cup 2031

ANI April 12, 2025 244 views

The All India Football Federation has officially submitted its bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup, marking a significant moment for Indian football. Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya expressed strong governmental support, highlighting the potential of sports to elevate India's global stature. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey emphasized the tournament's importance in showcasing India's capabilities to Asia and the world. The bid represents a strategic move with a six-year preparation window to meet international hosting standards.

"The Asian Cup is the biggest football tournament in Asia" - Kalyan Chaubey, AIFF President
New Delhi, April 12: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally submitted its bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031, a move that would bring the footballing royalty of the continent to India.

Key Points

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AIFF formally submits bid for 2031 AFC Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur

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Government strongly supports India's football hosting ambitions

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Bid aims to showcase India's sporting infrastructure and potential

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Six-year preparation timeline provides strategic advantage

India's bid to bring the AFC Asian Cup 2031 to the subcontinent was recognised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in its Annual General Body meeting at the 35th AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, an AIFF release said.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya showed his support for the enterprise on hearing of India's bid.

"Hosting major sporting events has a profound and lasting impact on a nation's sports ecosystem and infrastructure. Sports can serve as a powerful testimony of India's rising global stature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leading India's visionary bid to host the 2036 Olympics. There is also growing momentum behind India's aspiration to host the Commonwealth Games once again."

Dr Mandaviya extended the support of the Government. "Given football's immense popularity across the country, it is only natural that we are pursuing the opportunity to host the AFC Asian Cup. The government extends its strong support to the All India Football Federation's bid to bring Asia's biggest football event to India. Should we succeed, I am confident that football will get a big boost."

Speaking from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the 35th AFC Congress, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said, the Federation is happy to have the government's strong support in its bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031.

"The Asian Cup is the biggest football tournament in Asia and it is important for India as a nation to showcase what we have, not just to Asia but to the rest of the world. The 2027 tournament would have come too soon for us, so we didn't push for it. But with six years left to prepare for the 2031 Asian Cup, we have enough time on hand to measure up to the challenge of facing the best in Asia."

Moving forward, the AFC will now work with the Bidding MAs on the delivery of the necessary bidding documentation in accordance with the established timelines and processes, with a Bidding Workshop for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 scheduled to be held later this month.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is fantastic news for Indian football! Hosting the Asian Cup would be a game-changer for infrastructure and fan engagement. Just hope we can maintain the momentum till 2031 🤞
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Priya M.
Exciting times ahead! But I really hope AIFF focuses on improving grassroots football too. Hosting big tournaments is great, but we need strong domestic talent to compete with Asia's best âš½
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Arjun S.
The government support is encouraging, but I'm skeptical about our stadium infrastructure. Most venues need massive upgrades to meet AFC standards. Hope this isn't just another empty promise.
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Sanjana P.
Imagine the atmosphere if we get to host! The passion of Indian football fans is unmatched. This could be our chance to show Asia what we're made of 💙
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Vikram J.
Good initiative, but I hope they don't spread matches across 10 cities like last time. Better to have 4-5 quality venues with good transport links than many subpar ones.
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Neha T.
Finally some positive football news! The 6-year timeline seems realistic for proper preparation. Fingers crossed we get it! 🤞 Would be amazing to see top Asian teams play here.

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Tags:
AIFF AFC Asian Cup Kalyan Chaubey Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Indian Football Sports Diplomacy
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