Sacred Grounds: A Journey Through People's Football In India

Football in India is alive and thriving—not because of a few famous clubs or top-tier competitions, but thanks to local tournaments and unsung heroes who keep the game beating in the country’s heartlands. From the hugely popular Khep games in Kolkata and the fiercely contested 7s league in Kerala to the vibrant Basti tournaments in Meghalaya, football pulses through communities across India. Whether in the hills of Mizoram and Nagaland, the grasslands of Punjab, the sandy beaches of Thoothoor in Tamil Nadu, or the legendary village rivalries of Goa, the sport holds a special place in countless lives. Sacred Grounds shines a spotlight on these diverse football cultures, narrating their myths, fables, and forgotten stories while exploring the deep roots of the game in different regions. Sandeep Menon, an automobile engineer turned sportswriter and co-founder of the Indian football podcast Injury Time, brings these tales to life in a celebration of passion, resilience, and local pride.