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.
Indian state football associations
The State Football Associations are the regional governing bodies of association football in India. There are thirty-six State Associations affiliated to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The Services and Railways Sports Control Boards and the Women's Committee are affiliated units.