Nita Ambani. (TOI Photo)

MUMBAI: So much has changed with the Indian Super League (ISL) and so much is waiting to happen. From a little over two-month league to a planned seven-to-eight months next season, ISL , now enjoying a top-tier status, is hitting the headlines.

There are international clubs looking at India with more than just passing interest, and with legacy clubs now also on board, the road ahead is clearer. Nita Ambani , chairperson, Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL), explains why the world of football is witnessing an unprecedented growth of the sport here in India.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview with TOI...

Now that the Indian Super League (ISL) has officially acquired the top league status after five seasons, what do you want the league to achieve next?

First of all, I would like to congratulate FC Goa for winning the league shield and creating history by becoming the first Indian club to get group stage entry into the AFC Champions League . It is indeed a proud moment for us that now one of our ISL clubs will represent India at the prestigious championship.

Like millions of Indians, it is my dream to see India perform at the pinnacle of global football - to qualify for the Fifa World Cup. We still have a lot to do to achieve that, and a direct spot in AFC Champions League for ISL club is one step towards it. FSDL, and ISL in particular, will continue to play a catalytic role in the development of Indian football, and help find its rightful place in the world. When we started out in 2014, we had a dream to revolutionise Indian football, and we promised all the fans and stakeholders our steadfast commitment to make it happen. That commitment, passion, and resolve will always remain, and drive us to achieve this goal.

A lot of things have happened this season with the top league status and Manchester City's investment being the talking point…

This has been the most iconic season. We had three landmark developments with Manchester City owned City Football Group coming to India, ATK and Mohun Bagan joining hands and ISL becoming the premier league . These are outstanding new beginnings, and reaffirm our faith in the league and Indian football.

All these developments will carve a way forward for Indian football to accelerate growth at home, and to be recognised by the global sports community. Now is the most opportune time for sport in India, whether you are a player, coach, administrator or investor, the opportunities are limitless. A decade ago, it would have been unthinkable for a (English) Premier League champion club to own an Indian football club. Today, that dream has been realised. City Football Group's majority stake in Mumbai City FC is a great endorsement of the increasing appeal of Indian football internationally. I'm also delighted that after years of toiling, the ATK-Mohun Bagan deal saw the light of day.

How did ATK and Mohun Bagan come together?

We were working on it for a very long time and wanted to bring them together. It's an amalgamation of two powerhouses in Indian football, and the journey onwards will redefine the footballing landscape, not just in West Bengal but also the country.

With City showing the way, do you see more international clubs coming to India?

At this stage, I cannot reveal much, but I would definitely say that many world reputed clubs and international groups are in discussion with us to explore partnership potential. I can promise that Indian football will see very exciting days ahead.

ISL's popularity may be growing now beyond Indian shores but isn't the fall in attendances at stadiums a cause for concern?

I think we need to work with the clubs. It's important to have fan engagement programmes where people want to come to the stadiums. Today is the time when people want to watch everything on their cell-phones. That's why we have seen ISL grow at 41 per cent in television viewership. The digital imprint has been equally impressive with 80 per cent growth on the OTT platform. We are also witnessing a near double increase in ISL engagement on social media with over 52 million impressions so far across various platforms. This indicates that ISL has been able to attract, engage and evolve new set of fans into Indian football.

The ISL is evolving too. What started as a little more than two-month league got bigger with 10 teams and four months of action. Now with a place in the AFC Champions League group stage and plans to have 27 matches per team, will fans be ready for a longer league?

We believe that the league is now into its settling phase. It's been three years that ISL is run over five months and the trends are now showing that the league has formed a strong fundamental base with increased consumption, match-day attendance and a much higher fan engagement. We are seeing that interest in football. The appetite is fast growing. We should be able to manage.

With Goa ensuring India will finally make its debut in the AFC Champions League group stage next season, will Indian clubs be ready for such a big leap?

I would like to believe that our clubs will be a force to reckon with. FC Goa deserve to be representing India. They have been one of the most consistent ISL club over last six years. What we have created through ISL is a strong, robust and competitive league. The level of football has gradually increased over the last six years. AFC has recognised our efforts and have now provided the pathway for Indian clubs to compete amongst the best in Asia. Even though it would be a first experience for FC Goa in 2021, I am sure we will embrace it and evolve.

Your focus has always been on the grassroots and youth development. But do the clubs share the same belief?

FC Goa is doing a fantastic job. I think everyone has a lot of lessons to learn from the Goa grassroots (programme). Others are only beginning. For example, Bengaluru and Chennai have done well, but the others need to catch up. Grassroots and youth development programmes are really the heart and soul of ISL. I have always believed that sport and education are the bedrock of any modern society, especially a young and growing society like ours. It is my dream to give every child in India the right to sport, along with the right to education.

It is equally important for us to create an ecosystem that not just scouts, nurtures, and develops our young talent, but also gives them opportunities to pursue sport at the professional level.

The first graduates from the Young Champs will pass out this season. Are you convinced they are now ready to take on the best in business?

A lot of clubs have shown interest in signing these eight players who will graduate and we are currently reviewing each opportunity. These children and their stories have been such an inspiration for all of us.

