The Lakshadweep football team is an Indian football team which represents the union territory of Lakshadweep, India. The team participates in Indian state football competitions including the Santosh Trophy (since the 2016âÂÂ17 edition).
During the All India Football Federation general body meeting on 21 December 2016, it was confirmed that the Lakshadweep Football Association would gain affiliation with India's national football association. After gaining affiliation, the federation began preparations for the 2016âÂÂ17 Santosh Trophy qualifiers. Majority of the players come from the local Kavaratti League. Their first match occurred on 6 January 2017 when Lakshadweep took on Tamil Nadu. Despite being resilient in defense, Lakshadweep succumbed to a 2âÂÂ0 defeat. Four days later, on 10 January, Lakshadweep made history by earning their first ever victory in the Santosh Trophy, a 1âÂÂ0 victory over Telangana. K.P. Ummer was the goalscorer for Lakshadweep.
Despite not qualifying the previous tournament, Lakshadweep returned for the 2017âÂÂ18 qualifiers. In their first match against Madhya Pradesh the side won 5âÂÂ0.