The Indian football team today rose to the 96th spot in the latest FIFA rankings. It is India's best-ever in the last two decades and the second best overall. As far as Asia is concerned, India are the 12th highest ranked team in the continent, which is led by Iran. India's best-ever FIFA ranking till date stays at 94, which was attained in February 1996. Sports Minister Vijay Goel has lauded the Indian football team for its rise in the FIFA ranking and asked the players to stay focussed on the challenges that lay ahead. The Sports Minister said that India is going through a golden period of football and the best is yet to come. Congratulating the team, All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said that it is a giant leap of faith for Indian football.