By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team,
On the surface it may seem just another victory. But Mizoram’s recent triumph in the recently concluded 68th Santosh Trophy is much more than that. The seeds for glory were sown long back and the Football mad State is just reaping the benefits at the moment.
“Mizoram Football Association is a great example of how a State Association should be run,” All India Football Federation General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das tells www.the-aiff.com. “It just goes on to show that if a State Association, embarks on a proper program including Youth Development and a League with the right intent, they can achieve glory,” he adds.
In 2013, apart from the Santosh Trophy glory, Mizoram also annexed the 48th BC Roy Trophy when they defeated Assam 6-1 in the Final in Ranchi.
“This should come as an eye-opener for all others. AIFF will always support Football’s cause in other States provided they show the same purpose and intent just as it has been supporting Mizoram FA. But he State Associations need to be proactive. They need to create and drive their own Programme in line with AIFF's overall objectives,” Das further states.
“Very often, many a State Association complain of lack of funds. The same applies to Mizoram FA as well. But they have proved time and again that it has never come as an obstacle for the growth of the Sport in the State,” Das argues.
One needs to remember that the Mizoram Football Association won the 2013 AIFF Award for the Best Member Association, an Award which was instituted for the first time by AIFF. The Award was awarded to Mizoram FA for their involvement and eagerness to upgrade using help from AIFF in Grassroots and Coach Education.
The implementation of the AIFF Grassroots Pilot Project in Mizoram has been a success and the Project stays the role model for other States to implement future Grassroots Development initiatives.
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