New Delhi, India, October 30, 2024: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was conferred with the prestigious Asian Football Confederation President’s Recognition Award for grassroots football during the AFC Annual Awards in Seoul on Tuesday, October 29.
The AIFF has been credited for its strong commitment towards grassroots development and establishing long-term sustainable programmes, facilitating regional involvement and strong partnerships with various stakeholders across the country.
The AIFF aims to engage 35 million children across India by 2026.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, who accepted the award on behalf of Indian football, said: “The AFC President’s Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Silver) conferred on the All India Football Federation today didn’t come overnight and is the result of a combined effort of many factors.
“The highly successful Khelo India, inspired and launched under the guidance of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in 90 different cities, remains a huge motivation for the All India Football Federation. The AIFF, through its member associations, took part in Khelo India football events in 87 cities and it played a big role in grassroots development. We remain indebted to our visionary Prime Minister and Khelo India.
"Similarly, the FIFA-AIFF Academy launched in Bhubaneswar and the AFC coaches’ education guidance has helped the grassroots programme to a great extent. I thank them all,” Chaubey added.
The AFC in a press release said: “The AIFF’s Blue Cubs initiative, which aims to engage an impressive 35 million children by 2026, has been earmarked as a game-changer for football in India as it includes several crucial elements, ranging from establishing development centres and hosting festivals to expanding the reach of the game to schools and remote villages through active collaboration with major stakeholders such as Indian Super League clubs, local governing bodies, and nonprofitable organisations."