The I-League 3, founded on 13th June 2023 stands as a pivotal chapter in Indian men’s professional football, solidifying its status as the fourth tier in the intricate hierarchy of the Indian football league system. Positioned below the I-League 2 and above the State leagues, this league serves as a crucial bridge, offering a platform for aspiring teams to showcase their prowess on the national stage.
The recently concluded 2023-24 I-League 3 marked a significant milestone in the Indian football landscape, as it unfolded its inaugural season with fervor and excitement. Established in 2023, this edition not only showcased thrilling matches but also solidified its position as the national fourth tier in the Indian football league system. As teams battled it out on the pitch, the top three contenders earned the coveted qualification spots for the prestigious 2023-24 I-League 2.
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Who was the champions of the first ever I-League 3 Season?
In the first ever 2023–24 I-League 3 season, Sporting Goa emerged as the champions.
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AIFF’s Vision Unveiled: Qualifiers and Pathways in the 2022–23 AIFF Leagues
Breaking new ground, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) ushered in a wave of change in the 2022–23 season by introducing qualifiers for the I-League 2, marking a historic shift in the Indian football landscape. The league committee, on June 13, 2023, took another bold step by announcing the inception of a league positioned below the I-League 2.
This new league, featuring champions from State leagues and nominated clubs, added an exciting layer to the football pyramid. With State Football Associations tasked with nominating a team before July 31, the AIFF’s vision is clear – to establish a competitive pyramid with a concrete progression pathway. This strategic move aims to provide even the smallest clubs with the opportunity to ascend the divisions, fostering a dynamic and inclusive football ecosystem.
State Nominations and the Quest for Inclusion
On August 22, 2023, the I-League 3rd Division took a significant step forward as 15 clubs received nominations from nine state Football Associations. The states of Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Bengaluru, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Mumbai put forth their contenders, setting the stage for a fierce competition. Meanwhile, 10 other states, including Manipur, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Sikkim, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal, underwent a thorough evaluation process to determine their representation.
Podium Finishers and the 25-Team Battle
In the thrilling 2023–24 I-League 3 season, Sporting Goa emerged as the champions, showcasing their prowess on the football pitch. Dempo secured the runners-up position, while Sporting Bengaluru claimed the prestigious third place. I-League 3, featuring a total of 25 teams, witnessed intense battles and remarkable performances. The top 3 teams went on & got promoted to the I-League 2 and will start their journey in the 2nd Division of I-League from 20th of January.
Here’s a Rundown of the Teams that will be Participating in the Upcoming Edition of I-League 3
Teams Participating in the Upcoming Season of I-League 3
| No. | Club | City | State | League | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RKM | Narayanpur | Chhattisgarh | 2023 Chhattisgarh State Men’s Football League Championship | 1st |
| 2 | New Friends | Bade Bacheli | Chhattisgarh | 2023 Chhattisgarh State Men’s Football League Championship | 2nd |
| 3 | Vatika | New Delhi | Delhi | 2022–23 Delhi Premier League | 1st |
| 4 | Garhwal | New Delhi | Delhi | 2022–23 Delhi Premier League | 3rd |
| 5 | Baroda | Vadodara | Gujarat | 2022–23 Gujarat SFA Club Championship | 1st |
| 6 | ARA | Ahemedabad | Gujarat | 2022–23 Gujarat SFA Club Championship | 2nd |
| 7 | Kickstart | Bangalore | Karnataka | 2022–23 Bangalore Super Division | 1st |
| 8 | Lake City | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 2022–23 Madhya Pradesh Premier League | 1st |
| 9 | International | Phagwara | Punjab | 2022 Punjab State Super Football League | 3rd |
| 10 | Doaba United | Jalandhar | Punjab | 2022 Punjab State Super Football League | 4th |
| 11 | Jaipur Elite | Jaipur | Rajasthan | 2022 R-League A Division | 1st |
| 12 | Millat | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2022–23 MFA Elite Division | 3rd |
| 13 | Bhawanipore | Kolkata | West Bengal | 2022 Calcutta Premier Division | 2nd |
| 14 | Diamond Harbour | Diamond Harbour | West Bengal | 2022 Calcutta First Division | 3rd |
| 15 | Kerala United | Malappuram | Kerala | 2022–23 Kerala Premier League | Champions |
| 16 | Rangdajied United | Shillong | Meghalaya | 2022-23 Meghalaya State League | 1st |
| 17 | KLASA | Bishnupur | Manipur | 2022 Manipur State League | Champions |
| 18 | KIYC | Imphal | Manipur | 2022 Manipur State League | Semifinalist |
| 19 | United Chirang Duar | Chirang | Assam | 2023 ATPA Shield | Champions |
| 20 | Sports Odisha | Cuttack | Odisha | 2023 FAO Super Cup | Champions |
| 21 | Abbas Union | Hyderabad | Telangana | Rahim League “A” Division | – |
| 22 | Jeppiaar Institute of Technology | Pondicherry | Pondicherry | Pondicherry Men’s League Championship | – |
I-League 3 Schedule
The Schedule of the recently concluded I-League 3 is yet to be announced officially. We will update it once it’s announced.
I-League 3 Streaming Details
The previous season’s matches were broadcasted by AIFF, SportsKPI and SportsCast India on their respective official YouTube channels. The broadcast or streaming details are yet to be announced officially and we will update it once it’s announced.
