Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
New Delhi: The All India Football Federation’s sustained grassroots development helped it clinch the Best National Sports Federation award from the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The AIFF won the accolade during a recent India Sports Awards Night in the Indian capital ahead of other nominees for the award which included the National Rifle Association of India, Federation of Motor Sports Club of India and the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India.
“The award jury chose the AIFF for its sustained involvement in grassroots along with the setting up of the AIFF Regional Academies with world-class infrastructure and support staff…” said the AIFF’s official website, The-AIFF.com.
Currently, the AIFF Grassroots Development Programme is being implemented in as many as six states across the country.
In 2013, the AIFF was one of three nominees for the inaugural AFC Grassroots Member Association of the Year award which was eventually grabbed by Japan.
Also last year, in December, India won the bid to host the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup during the FIFA Executive Committee Meeting in Brazil.
AIFF President Praful Patel thanked the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for conferring the prestigious award.
“I sincerely thank FICCI for recognising the efforts put in by AIFF,” he said. “AIFF stays committed towards developing the game on a pan-India basis and will not leave any stone unturned in the process.”
“With India having won the bid to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup, we believe it will be a game-changer for the sport in the country. At the same time, it’s our responsibility to conduct it in the best possible manner along with all the stakeholders.”
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das attributed the award to people working at the AIFF headquarters whose values and dedication are well reflected by the accolade.
“AIFF is a professional and transparent organisation which works 24x7 to bring glory to the game in the country,” he said. “We have categorised the workflow into various specialised departments which range from the national team to I-League to grassroots, coach education, academies, competitions, referees, media and communications and more.”
“The appreciation from FICCI in the form of the award is very encouraging. The youth working at Football House (AIFF headquarters) would be further inspired. I need to thank FICCI for their gesture.”
“The fact that the jury found us most deserving ahead other professional national sports federations reflects our positive vibes.”
Grassroots, an important aspect of football development, received special attention last year which was designated as the AFC Grassroots Year 2013.
The AFC Grassroots Year encouraged AFC Member Associations to organise activities to promote and emphasise that football is accessible and socially beneficial to everyone.
Grassroots football also provides a strong foundation that will allow children to someday progress to the elite level if they choose to do so.
Photo: AIFF