Indian football stands at a defining moment. Despite a passionate fan base, increasing investment in domestic football, and the emergence of talented young players across the country, the senior men's national team has struggled to establish itself consistently in Asian football. These performances have led many supporters to question whether Indian football needs a fresh vision, stronger leadership on the technical side, and a greater emphasis on long-term player development.

One of the biggest concerns among supporters is that India has not consistently converted its promising youth talent into sustained success at the senior international level. While academies across the country continue to produce talented footballers, many fans believe that the national team requires a coach with a proven understanding of grassroots football, youth development, and Indian football's unique ecosystem.

Among the names frequently discussed by supporters is Ranjit Bajaj, founder of Minerva Academy FC. Over the years, Minerva has established itself as one of India's most successful youth football institutions. The academy has produced dozens of players who have represented India at various youth and senior international levels and was recommended for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar for its contribution to Indian sport.

Under his leadership, Minerva's youth teams have won multiple national titles, including four AIFF U-15 Youth League championships, three AIFF U-13 titles, and the AIFF U-18 Youth League, making the academy one of the most successful youth development systems in the country.

Beyond domestic success, Minerva Academy has earned international recognition by winning prestigious youth tournaments such as the Gothia Cup, Mina Cup, Dana Cup, and Norway Cup, demonstrating that Indian youth players can compete successfully against international opposition when given the right coaching and development environment.

Ranjit Bajaj has also consistently advocated for long-term reforms in Indian football. Through public interviews and statements, he has argued that India must prioritise youth development, improve coaching standards, create merit-based opportunities for players, and build a clear footballing identity if it wishes to compete successfully on the international stage. Recently, he publicly stated that, if entrusted with responsibility, he would be willing to lead an Indian youth team with the ambition of competing successfully at the FIFA U-15 World Cup, reflecting his confidence in India's young footballers and his belief in systematic development.

This petition does not seek to discredit any current or former coach. Coaching appointments should always be based on merit, vision, experience, and the needs of the national team. However, we believe that Ranjit Bajaj's proven work in developing Indian footballers and building one of the country's most successful youth football ecosystems makes him a credible candidate who deserves serious consideration for the role of Head Coach of the Indian Men's National Football Team.

What We Request
We respectfully call upon the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee to:

Conduct a transparent, merit-based evaluation for the appointment of the Head Coach of the Indian Men's National Football Team.
Give serious consideration to Ranjit Bajaj's candidature, given his demonstrated contributions to Indian football.
Publish clear selection criteria for the appointment of the national team's head coach.
Prioritise long-term player development, tactical identity, and accountability in the future direction of Indian football.
This petition is not about personalities. It is about giving Indian football the strongest possible opportunity to grow, compete, and inspire future generations. We urge every supporter who believes in the future of Indian football to sign this petition and help bring this request to the AIFF's attention.