Mandaviya says ISL will return and new clubs are forming as he defends state of Indian football

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told ANI in Hanol village, Gujarat, during the 85th edition of Fit India that the Indian Super League will return and that new football clubs are being formed.

The 2026-27 Indian domestic season began with the Durand Cup 2026 on 25th July when Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC met in a Kolkata Derby, but questions persist around the Indian Super League (ISL), the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and Indian football more broadly. ISL club Jamshedpur FC have already decided to shut operations and exit despite the Sports Ministry intervening and making the ISL Club led model in place, and IFL clubs are reportedly looking to sell their licenses. Mandaviya also addressed other sports matters at the Fit India event, including the recently concluded Commonwealth Games and the upcoming edition.

During the Fit India appearance, Mandaviya was asked specifically about Jamshedpur FC’s exit and how the government could assist the sport. He responded on an optimistic note about the league’s future and the emergence of new teams, framing those developments as signs of progress for Indian football.

How much clarity those remarks provide about the sector’s immediate challenges remains uncertain given Jamshedpur FC’s decision to cease operations and reports that IFL clubs may seek to sell their licenses. Those outstanding issues contrast with the public assurance offered by the minister.

Asked to sum up his view on the state of the game, Mandaviya said: "Football is making excellent progress. The ISL will be hosted again, and new football clubs are being formed."