AIFF looks to secure funding from corporates to build National Centre of Excellence

As the Indian football team gear up for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup which will be played in the UAE next month, AIFF chief Praful Patel revealed the Indian governing body’s plans to build a state-of-the-art institute in Kolkata to develop young talent. Patel added that the national body is in talks with various corporate companies to secure funding in the tune of Rs. 200 crores while he chaired the annual general meeting of the AIFF.

"The AIFF is also in the process of developing a state of the art National Centre of Excellence in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The land is in the heart of the city and work is slated to begin soon. It will cost us Rs. 200 crores, and we are in talks with some corporates," Patel told PTI.

As Patel wished the outgoing Indian team best of luck for the challenge that awaits them in the middle-east, he stressed on the importance of developing young talent in the nation in the years ahead. 

"The Indian football team have been doing well and have stitched a string of victories. I wish them good luck in their campaign in the forthcoming Asian Cup. We have been drawn in Group A and there are tough matches ahead. Nonetheless, we will definitely hope that team comes out with flying colours.

"To build up a strong Footballing structure, it's important the youth teams do well. Our U-20 team beat Argentina and U-20 and also held current FIFA U-20 World Cup runners-up Venezuela to a draw. Our U-16 boys also reached the quarters of the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 which was a win away from a direct qualification for the U-17 Peru World Cup," the president added.

Meanwhile, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das offered his thanks to the Odisha government for its support and signing a MoU for the development of the youth teams. The members of the AIFF also observed a minute’s silence in memory of former AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and former Asian Football Confederation president Peter Velappan who passed away earlier this year.

"I also congratulate the Indian women's national team for qualifying to the second round of the AFC Women's qualifiers for the first time ever.

"Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi was a very tall leader who led AIFF for many years. He laid the bedrock for a professional structure for Indian football. His contribution for Indian football has been immense," Patel stated.