Why did India not play FIFA World Cup 1950 despite qualification?

India qualified for the FIFA World Cup 1950 but withdrew weeks before their Brazil voyage. Contrary to the popular myth that FIFA barred them for playing barefoot, the real reasons were travel costs, lack of preparation time and AIFF prioritising the Olympics. Despite support offers from FIFA, the Brazilian federation and Indian state federations, AIFF withdrew on May 23, 1950.