AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Federation President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, on Monday, April 10, 2023, called on the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, and had a detailed discussion on the development of football in the state.

Later, the two senior officials of the AIFF held a series of meetings with various stakeholders of local football, including district associations, clubs, academies, former players, coaches, referees, senior officers of the J&K Sports Council and the local administration. They also visited the renovated Bakshi Stadium.

During the meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, J&K, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez and Secretary J&K Sports Council Mr. Nuzhat Gull were present with other senior officials.

Mr. Chaubey later said: “Considering the immense potential of football in J&K, which has produced many top footballers in the past, the AIFF has decided to collaborate with the local administration here to initiate projects which would unearth talents and develop the best among them through the Centre of Excellence. We will also do everything to develop a competitive structure that would encourage regular participation of local youths in football.”

Dr. Prabhakaran said: “The stunningly beautiful state of Jammu & Kashmir has all the potential to create magic with the beautiful game and across all other sectors. We feel hugely encouraged after this visit.

“We discussed with the members of the J&K Football Association the current issues and pending elections of the Association. After meeting with various stakeholders, we are confident that elections will be held soon to elect the new executive committee to manage the affairs of football. Together with the local stakeholders and J&K Sports Council, we will be able to develop tailor-made plans and projects for the development of the game in the state.”