Indian Super League
Football in India has existed in many forms since the game first arrived in the country during the 19th century with the first nationwide club competition, the Durand Cup, being founded in 1888. Despite India's early history in the game, the country's first nationwide football league did not begin until the semi-professional National Football League commenced in 1996. Prior to the creation of the National Football League, most clubs played in state leagues or select nationwide tournaments.
1997–98 National Football League (India)
The 1997–98 National Football League, also knows as the Philips National League for sponsorship reasons, was the second season of National Football League, the top Indian league for association football clubs, since its inception in 1996.