AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The FIFA Fitness Course for Referees, organized by the All India Football Federation, concluded in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh today (June 28, 2017). 110 referees in two batches of 55 participated in the programme.

FIFA Referees Fitness Instructor, Ganesh Maniam, who conducted the course shared his thoughts on the participants. “The referees did well. Their active interest was encouraging. The course is designed to enhance their careers and everyone was on the right track.”

Participants from all over India took part in the initiative. William Koshy, a Category 2 referee from Gujarat believed it be a confidence booster, “We covered an array of sessions. Basic training, high intensity, as well as post-match recovery. It was an in depth course and had a lot of psychological benefits. I gained much confidence and can perform better now.”

“Wonderful initiative. Physical, psychological, nutritional, everything was covered. This is needed to improve the standards of Indian referees.”, opined FIFA Assistant Referee, Antony Abraham of the Services.

The course which began on June 20 involved yoga sessions, pool sessions as well as psychological sessions. Match situations, post-match recovery and nutrition plans were focused on with equal importance on theory and practical sessions.