1996–97 National Football League (India)

The 1996–97 National Football League (NFL) was the inaugural season of India's premier professional football league, establishing a new era for Indian football. Commencing on November 16, 1996, this season featured eight participating clubs, including prominent teams like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, and marked a significant departure from the traditional league system in India. Sponsored by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the league aimed to raise the profile of the sport in the country. The season concluded on April 6, 1997, with the Kolkata-based team Mohun Bagan emerging as the first champions, securing their place in the annals of Indian football history. The league laid the foundation for future professional football competitions in India.