I am a fervent fan of Indian Football - wanting nothing more than to see it flourish and reach growing heights. However, there is a significant issue sequestering the very potential of our nation's football scene. Currently, football players of Indian origin who hold Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and People of Indian Origin (PIO) status are barred from representing our national team.

Globally, sports teams are increasingly multinational, with players often representing countries other than where they were born or brought up. For instance, The French team which won the 2018 World Cup illustrates this perfectly - of the 23 players, 17 were immigrants or children of immigrants. This very model ably points to international football’s potential as a catalyst for social integration and unity, which India could effectively utilize.

Our football players of Indian origin are often trained and compete at high-level clubs around the world. By eliminating their opportunity to represent our national team, we are building barriers around ourselves, restricting India's true football potential.

This move could fundamentally change the landscape of Indian football, making it a higher competitive field and providing our team an opportunity to play at the global level - potentially bringing India's football to new heights.

It is hence a call to the All India Football Federation and the Government of India to revise the current norms and allow OCI and PIO players to represent the Indian football team in international platforms. This could be a monumental decision. Sign this petition and help change the trajectory of Indian football for the better.