India, in the latest FIFA rankings, jumped six places to 129th -- its best rank in over a decade. It has jumped 42 places in less than two years.
Argentina, with 1634 points, is atop the list.
Among the 47 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) countries, Iran leads the list with 816 points while India has the 19th highest rank with 243 points.
India was ranked 171 when Stephen Constantine became the national coach. The team won nine of its last 11 games in 2016, including a victory against 114th ranked Puerto Rico.
"I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would," said Constantine, "Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football. There is, however, a very long way to go where I intend to take Indian football to, but I can say that we have begun our journey."
"It's been a total team effort. Unless Mr. Patel (All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel) and Mr. Das (AIFF general secretary Kushal Das) allowed me to do the things and the manner I wanted it to be done, this won't have been possible ever," Constantine added.
Veteran custodian Subrata Pal congratulating the team, said: "We have managed to climb 42 places in less than two years. I feel that's a terrific achievement."
"There have been many positive developments in the National team with a whole lot of new players having made their international debut. Constantine has been successful in building the team for the future and we will only improve with every given day," he added.
The team's next target, Subrata said, is a sub-100 rank.
The top-10:
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