The first Asian football team to reach the Olympic semi-finals was the Indian national football team. This historic achievement took place at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics when India defeated the host nation Australia 4-2 to advance to the semi-finals. A notable highlight was Neville D'Souza becoming the first Asian footballer to score a hat-trick at the Olympics during that tournament. This milestone was significant as it put Indian football and Asian football on the global map, showcasing determination, skill, and national spirit shortly after India's independence. It symbolized a moment of unity and pride for India and the continent as a whole, marking a golden era in Indian football history.

Significance

• India became the first Asian country to reach the Olympic football semi-finals, gaining international recognition.
• It demonstrated India's sporting competitiveness on a global stage soon after freedom from colonial rule.
• The achievement inspired football in India and Asia, though football later faced overshadowing by cricket in India.
• Neville D'Souza's hat-trick remains a landmark in Olympic football history for Asia.
• The 1956 team's performance embodied national integrity and showcased Indian willpower to the world.

This event is still celebrated as a golden chapter in Indian and Asian football history, marking the arrival of Asian football on the world stage.