India 101: Blue Tigers climb to record high FIFA rank following phenomenal winning streak

THE DOUBLE AWAY WIN against Cambodia and Myanmar, on top of the tireless efforts of the last 2 years, all paid off today when India reached the FIFA world rank of 101 today.

The Blue Tigers, who had a rank of 94 back in February 1996, have been on a decline ever since due to lack of regular matches and proper management of the national team. They reached their lowest point in March 2015 when they got a rank of 173.

But thanks to the efforts of head coach Stephen Constantine who expanded the national team camp and brought in a new generation of players into the fold, as well as smart management from AIFF officials who scheduled favourable friendlies, India started climbing up the ranks. In March, they were 132nd. But this month, after beating Cambodia in a friendly and Myanmar in an Asian Cup qualifier tie, the Blue Tigers have risen to the 101st position; the 11th best team in Asia.

This gives the Blue Tigers a historic opportunity to enter the top 100 rankings for the first time in over two decades within the next few months. 

India, who have won 11 of the last 13 matches they have played, are expected to play a number of matches over the next one year. They include 5 Asian Cup qualifiers over to be played against Myanmar, Macau and Kyrgyzstan; 5 international friendlies including those against Afghanistan, Lebanon and Malaysia; as well as a 4-nation Champions Cup at home in August followed by a SAFF Championship to be held in Bangladesh in December-January.

If India produce favourable results in key games they may end up in the top 80s, or even 70s, within the next 12 months which would be a historic 100-step climb in just 3 years; a rare occurence in world football.