Abu Dhabi all geared up for AFC Annual Awards 2016

The Gulf city of Abu Dhabi is all geared up for the AFC Annual Awards 2016. The pinnacle of the continent’s football achievements will be honoured in a glittering ceremony at the AFC Annual Awards 2016. The AIFF President Praful Patel is also the AFC Vice President and has made a major contribution towards the growth of Indian and Asian football.

As per the version of the AFC President  Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa “Since the AFC Executive Committee’s announcement in March this year, the continent has been filled with excitement and anticipation for this year’s AFC Annual Awards.

“Together with our partners the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the UAE FA, the AFC has been working tirelessly to stage the perfect show to celebrate our teams, players, coaches and Member Associations. All our nominees have displayed their dedication to improve football in Asia under the banner of One Asia, One Goal, and on behalf of the Asian football family, I wish them all good luck.

The 2016 AFC Annual Awards will also mark a decade since the AFC Awards was first hosted in Abu Dhabi at the 2006 edition. With guest performances from a rising star, singer-songwriter Nathalie Saba, the UAE’s pop icon Aryam, as well as a gravity-defying act from the Aerialist Acrobatic Group, the stage is set for a breathtaking spectacle.

Under the Praful Patel biography, the AIFF has got extensive support from AFC for the development of Indian football.

North East United Remains Positive About ISL Semis

North East United FC is one of the premier clubs from the country which remains positive about making it to the ISL semi- finals. The battle for the semi-final spot has begun in full swing and the coach Nelo Vingada is quite optimistic that the boys will make it there.  Under the tenure of AIFF President Praful Patel, today the ISL is one of the most popular football tournaments in the country.

As per the version  of Vingada, “I think it was a fantastic game for the supporters and fans who were here, getting to witness six goals, and if you tell me we were lucky to score in the last minute, then yes we were lucky but we fought to bring that luck for us and we created chances to score, and honestly I think we deserved the draw. It is the correct result and the result is very important for us as it lifts our morale. We will put in a strong effort in the next two games”.

“And we remember that we lost against Goa towards the end and we were the better team. Today, yes we were not better than Chennaiyin but Chennaiyin were also not better than us and most of the game was very tough, and my players who came here played well, and it was a good game. With this result of course we are still alive and the next game will be very crucial.

Although North East United FC went into the match without their star midfielder Katsumi Yusa still they performed very well. It was a very good decision to play Gustavo as he dominated the ball possession.

Under the Praful Patel Profile, Indian football has moved forward and the ISL stands out as one of the highly competitive football tournaments.

Women’s football in India needs considerable emphasis

The All India Football Federation acts as the parent body for the governance of the sport in the country. The Federation works for the development of football irrespective of gender and women’s football in India is also progressing by the day.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day several development plans for improving women’s football in the country are being formulated.  In the recently ended SAFF Championship, the Indian women’s contingent emerged triumphant with a gold medal. Over the years, the Indian women’s football team has come up with a range of impressive performances. 

Under the Praful Patel profile, there has been a general improvement of Indian football and the technical director of AIFF Scott O Donnell has indicated the idea of getting more women involved in the sport.  As per the version of Scott O Donnell who works closely with AIFF in bringing out the technical modalities of Indian football.

“We have to build on the base and stay realistic at the same time. Getting more girls playing Football in India is a priority as is getting more Female Coaches involved into the game. Women from more and more States need to start playing regularly. It has to start from the base.

AIFF have been in discussions with FIFA and potential sponsors about starting a Women’s League here in India for a while now. We have looked at a few different models and will hopefully have something to announce in the coming months. Given the success of the ongoing national U15 and U18 Leagues for boys, we could look at a similar model for the Women in place of the traditional National Championships format.

 As per the Praful Patel biography, Indian football has surged ahead and it is time that women’s football in the country becomes more competitive where the girls are provided with more exposure.

Rivalry between Goa & Bengal intensifies in Indian football

The All India Football Federation has taken several important measures for the proper development of the sport in the country. Recently, India has bagged the rights to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup and preparations are in full swing for it. For years now, the Bengal vs Goa rivalry has intensified in Indian football and it is viewed as one of the major ones. With the launch of the ISL and the I-League, the Goa and Bengal based clubs are all set to prove their supremacy. 

It will be again be on display on Tuesday as teams from Bengal and Goa lock horns with each other thrice on the same day. But, at each of the venues, only a meagre attendance will witness Indian football's most exciting inter-state rivalry. Over the course of the day, Goa and Bengal face off at Nagpur in a Santosh Trophy final round clash, while the I-League fixtures in Goa - involving Salgaocar-East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa-Mohun Bagan are expected to grab a few more eyeballs.

These two states were home to very different football cultures, because of being dominated by two different European nations for decades. As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken some of the best initiatives related to Indian football. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, the Santosh trophy, one of the oldest and prestigious football tournaments in the country has been revived. The Santosh trophy acts as one of the best platforms for the young players to prove their mettle and come to the limelight of Indian football. Many of the clubs send professional scouts to this tournament to catch the talents young and early. 

Indian football team up in FIFA rankings

The All India Football Federation has taken up multiple initiatives for the development of the sport in the country. As the parent body for the operation and administration of football in the country, it has already taken some of the most important steps. India currently has the right to host the 2017 FIFA  U-17 World Cup and has also improved as far as the rankings are concerned. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken several important measures for enhancing the popularity of the sport in the country. The Indian football team have managed to improve their position as they climbed two places to stand 160th in the latest FIFA rankings.

Last year, India climbed six places to be ranked 166th after their victory against Guam in the World Cup qualifier before eventually climbing up three more spots in January by sweeping aside Afghanistan 2-1 in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship finals. Despite not featuring since then, the Stephen Constantine-led side had managed to improve their position by three places, including climbing by one place in February, goal.com reported.

Iran, who are currently at the 44th spot, still remains the highest ranked Asian nation while Afghanistan have climbed up a spot and are now placed at 151st. As the highest body for governance of football in the country, AIFF always welcomes the fact that the ranking of Indian football improves on a regular basis. Under the guidance of coach Stephen Constantine, the team has emerged victorious in the SAFF championship and proved their mettle as the strongest team in the region. International friendly matches are also played on frequent occasions which provide the team with further opportunities for improvement. As the AIFF President Praful Patel has always worked and upgraded football in the country in  a proper way. 

AIFF Academy U-19 to face TFA in IFA Shield final

The prestigious IFA shield football tournament is again on a roll. The AIFF U-19 academy boys is all set to take on the TFA academy in the IFA shield final. The All India Football Federation has taken a variety of steps for enhancing the popularity of the sport in the country and work has started from a grassroot level.

Under the Praful Patel biography, several important initiatives related to Indian football have been taken. The last time the two sides met was in the Final of the U-18 I-League with the AIFF colts going on to win the Crown. The Academy boys have been on a roll having stretched their unbeaten run to 31 matches which started way back in 2014.

The AIFF Academy have had a fantastic run in the tournament so far maintaining an all win record on their way to the final scoring as many as a major number of goals in the process. The most notable has been the fact that they have brushed aside challenges of two foreign Clubs in the process.While the U-18 boys accounted for U-19 Frenz United 4-2 in the group phase, they overcame U-19 Crystal Palace Academy in sudden death in semifinal which was a grueling affair. 

Under the Praful Patel profile, the AIFF Elite Academy boys have performed quite well and have been also given the best of facilities as players. As per the head coach of the AIFF academy Floyd Pinto,” They are a good side. 

They are also a dangerous side. We need to be careful. But we are up to the challenge”. “There’s no room for complacency. It’s a different day, a different match.” The final to be scheduled for Sunday evening just seems to be quite a challenging task for both the teams. It remains to be seen who emerges triumphant in the quest for silverware.

YMFC to come up with tournament of international standards

The All India Football Federation is coming up with several measures to popularize the game in the country. The  of the oldest clubs of the country, Young Muslim Football Club (YMFC), will be conducting the Centennial All India Football tournament to celebrate the completion of club's 100 years, from January 31 to February 14.

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has always worked upon developing the game from a rudimentary level in the country. 

The City Police will take on Rabbani Club, Kamptee in the inaugural match at 2.30 pm on Sunday at the SCCR Motibagh Stadium.

Five outstation teams and ten top locals will compete in the two-week long tourney. Air India, ONGC Mumbai, DSK Shivaji Pune, Kalighat Club Kolkata and Army XI are the national-level teams. These five along with hosts YMFC and Nagpur Football Club have been given direct entry at the super league stage, said former mayor and advisory committee member Atal Bahadur Singh in a press conference here on Friday.

In the first week of the tourney, Rabbani Club, Rahul Club, City Police, South East Central Railway, Qidwai Club, SRPF, New Globe and City Club will clash against each other for a lone spot to enter the super league stage.

Young Muslim Football Club is celebrating hundred years of its formation by conducting this All India Football tournament.

The champions will get Rs 1.51 lakh, while runners-up will collect Rs 1,11,111. Besides, there will be attractive individual prizes including Golden Boot (player of the tournament), Golden Ball (man of the final) and Silver Gloves (best goalkeeper). 

Bringing in club from grassroots level in the country adds more value to football. This will provide the youngsters with considerable room for improvement and help them to play at an international level at the later stage.  Under the Praful Patel biography, the smaller clubs in the country have received the basic infrastructure backing.

Shillong Lajong salvage a point against DSK Shivajians in the I- League

The All India Football Federation has taken several measures to enhance the popularity of the I-League. Over the years, the Federation has made the I-League one of the most coveted tournaments in the country with new marketing strategies. All the matches of the league are broadcast live with an increase in television viewership every single year.  The tournament has reached its halfway mark as all the teams vie for supremacy in the upcoming matches.

In one of the crucial matches of the league, Shillong Lajong FC took on the DSK Shivajians and picked up a point only. As per the version of the Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Shingto, the “I think in the second half DSK had more chances than us but we should have killed the game in the first half. We had some really good chances but didn’t take advantage of it. We have had four tough away games and that has taken a toll on us. Overall we got three points from our four away games. We knew this game was not going to be easy.

I think credit goes to DSK as they were better than us in the second half. I think we missed the experience of Fabio. We need to defend better in order to win more games. Last year we scored a lot of goals and conceded a lot too. This season we have a lot of youngsters. 13 of our 18 players are Under-21. I have few seniors and so it is difficult. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken several measures for the development of the I League. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, the I-League has prospered a lot and become one of the most coveted tournaments in the country.

Mohun Bagan to take on Shillong Lajong in crucial encounter

The mariners or the defending champions of the I- League Mohun Bagan is taking on Shillong Lajong  in a crucial encounter.  With the title race for the I- League becoming all the more exciting by the day this is indeed quite an  important match for the Bagan contingent.  The century old club has begun their campaign quite well this season and has beaten some of the top clubs in their title pursuit.  Under the tutelage of coach Sanjoy Sen, the club has quite a formidable team to its credit. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, Indian football has progressed considerably over the years and made an impact at the international stage. Cornell Glen is one of the most important players in the Mohun Bagan sida and has played an imperative role in this league.

 As per the version of Glen, “ We have the best local players. This takes a lot of pressure off the foreign players. I haven't scored a goal since three weeks and see how Jeje (Lalpekhlua) has stepped up and scored in the last game. Sony (Norde), Katsumi (Yusa) and Balwant (Singh) can also score. It's always good to have  quality players behind you. It's important that we have these players to step up and get the job done. 

I am a professional and I have a job to do. It has nothing to do with previous teams. I am here to win games for Mohun Bagan and hopefully I can get a good performance in tomorrow and win the game. As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has made the I- League one of the most competitive and premier tournaments in the country. It remains to be seen how the top teams like Mohun Bagan performs in the competition.

Mohun Begin is a much settled side in the I-League

As one of the century old clubs and defending champions of the I-League Mohun Bagan has proved their supremacy for many seasons. The  2016 campaign has already begun quite well for the Bagan contingent as they have come up with a very impressive performance and currently leads the points table. They have remained unbeaten so far this season and the defensive prowess of the club has been praised quite highly by the football pundits. The man leading the Mohun Bagan defence this season is Kingshuk Debnath, one of the most promising ones in the country. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, the I League stands out as one of the premier football competitions in the country and the tournament has become all the more competitive.  As per the version of one of the noted defenders from the country Debnath, “We are playing well now but we have to do so till the end and win the championship. 

We have to play well in the future matches too with the same level of performance. He mentioned that the mood within the Bagan camp is good and it is down to every player fulfilling his responsibility.“Our team spirit is very good. The strikers are scoring and the defense is good. Each department is doing their job. The full team is combining well,” he said.“There is competition everywhere, outside and inside the pitch, but we have to prove ourselves when we get a chance so that we do not lose our place in the first eleven,” he added.

“We will have keep winning the way we are. It is very important to win matches in order to become champions. The next match will also be tough, playing against Sporting Clube de Goa on their home ground. They (Sporting Goa) have good strikers,” he shared his thoughts on the Flaming Oranje.

Under the able administratorship of AIFF President Praful Patel, the I –League has become one of the premier football tournaments in the country.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand to visit India

The All India Football Federation has taken several important measures for popularizing the game in the country. The commercialization of the I- League and the ISL are two pivotal steps which has made the game more demanding among the fans. As the ISL has rolled out, many noted foreign players have come to the country and the Indian counterparts have got the opportunity to rub shoulders with them.  Rio Ferdinand is one of the legends from the Manchester United Football Club known  all over the world for his defensive abilities.

Under the Praful Patel constituency, Indian football has progressed a long way ahead and bringing in some of the legends like Rio Ferdinand certainly  provides more impetus  to the game in the country.  Ferdinand has been the captain of the England national football team and has played with prowess for United  as a central defender. His vision, acumen and sharp skills as a defender has impressed many of the football pundits over the years.  As one of the stalwarts of the English defense for a long time, Ferdinand is a recognized name in world football. 

The initiative to bring Ferdinand to India has been taken by BT Sports, one of the broadcast giants from Britain. It is very important to develop football from a grassroot level in the county and BT Sports is bringing Ferdinand for leveraging the modern techniques of the game to the children. 

As per the version of Ferdinand,” BT through The Supporters Club, has helped thousands of youngsters to improve their lives through the power of sport around the world, including in India. I have heard lots about the work of the projects we will be visiting in Delhi and can’t wait to meet the youngsters and those who work to support them."

Under the Praful Patel Profile, Indian football has certainly reached new heights and players like Ferdinand can only inspire the youth in the country to become future stars.

Indian women’s team backed by unison Shillong support

The Indian women’s team has currently reached the final of the South Asian games and  is all set to take on Bangladesh in the final for the crowning glory. With the All India Football Federation taking a variety of measures for enhancing the popularity of the game in the country, women’s football has also undergone massive improvements.

 The challenge of the 12th South Asian games is being  played in Shillong and the women’s team has garnered huge support ahead of their final match against Bangladesh slated to kick off on Tuesday. 

Under the guidance of the AIFF President Praful Patel, Indian football has progressed across all genders and the Indian eves has also performed quite well. As per the version of Bembem Devi, one of the living legends of Indian women’s football who is ready to retire after the completion of this tournament, “It sends shivers down the spine when the crowd supports you and cheers for you throughout the course of the 90 minutes. 

The love is surreal and as a Player you want to win the match for the crowd,” Bembem whose 75th minute substitution against Bangladesh was met with a loud roar of applause by the Shillong fans.

 “They give you the energy when legs are faltering. And it is berserk how the crowd goes wild when we score a goal.” After a brief pause Bembem adds: “This is the best crowd that I have played in front of in my 20 years of Footballing career. They are absolutely sensational.”

 For a team whose average age is just below 24, a lot of young Players are experiencing what they describe as “indescribable.

Under the Praful Patel biography, Indian football has progressed  quite well with an improvement in the FIFA rankings of the team.

Indian eves to take on Sri Lanka at a vital South Asian Games clash

With the South Asian games underway at Shillong, the Indian women’s national football team is eyeing for the title. This tournament is also the last for Bembem Devi, one of the legends of Indian women’s football.  The tournament did not start well for the Indian eves as they had drawn their opening game to Maldives and can find themselves out if they lose to Sri Lanka today.  Although the first match began on a good note for the Indians, they could not convert on the ample opportunities and it is seen as a failure of their striking prowess. 

The South Asian Games stand out as quite a landmark tournament as it has been termed as one of the most intensive competitions where the best teams from South Asia participate. But the head coach of the Indian team Sajid Dar is quite hopeful about the performance of the girls and as per his version,” It is a must win match for us, as three points will relieve a lot of pressure. The squad showcased attacking Football in our first match against Maldives and we have worked on converting our chances in the training sessions for a better result against Sri Lanka.

Under the Praful Patel constituency the various dynamics of Indian football has changed over the years and the Indian women’s national football team also needs to perform well.  With some of the most able players like Bembem Devi and Aditi  Chauhan in the team, the girls are quite upbeat about their performance against Sri Lanka.  The AIFF President Praful Patel has taken a variety of important initiatives for the progress of the sport in the country and it remains to be seen how the senior women’s national team performs in the South Asian Games.

IFA sets up fifth grassroots centre in West Bengal

The All India Football Federation is already working on some of the pilot projects which are going on along with the state associations. As the parent body for governance of football  in the country, it has already taken several important measures and the fifth grassroots centre in the state of West Bengal has been launched. The Federation always remains focused with its vision of providing apt training to the kids from the grassroot level. 

Under the leadership and acute vision of AIFF President Praful Patel, the fifth grassroots centre in the state has been formed. As per the version of the technical director of IFA, ““The reach of a private Club is huge. We have tied up with the Kalyani Veterans Club where over 150 kids practice every day. We cannot compromise at the Grassroots. 

 “The infrastructure is enviable. There are three full size grounds lying side by side with enough space left for the fourth. It’s all in the same Campus and has been fenced all around. I am not sure where would you get such an infrastructure anywhere in India,” he added.“Basically, we are looking to tie up with every District Sports Association,”  “The first tie-up happened with the Chinsurah District Sports Association separated from Kalyani by the river Ganges.”

 “Kids will come over and practice and play at weekends from where we can look at them. The idea is to popularise it among the kids. And in a State like West Bengal where every kid kicks the Ball, the initiatives are being welcomed with open hands across all sections.”

 “We also have plans to taking it to the Schools. There are many a schools with good infrastructure and we plan to get them involved in the programme. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel encourages this type of grassroots level programs which takes Indian football forward.

Aizawl FC to stay afloat in I league

The Hero I- League has begun in full swing with a very competitive tone already set for the tournament. Aizawl FC is one of the newest teams to participate in the I- League and it remains to be seen how they perform against the premier clubs. Although they are placed at the eighth position in the league, they aspire to remain afloat and not relegated as per the rules. The team also has a new coach in Jahar Das who has the vast experience of coaching a leading side like Mohun Bagan in the past. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, Indian football has progressed quite considerably and new entities like Aizawl FC has been drafted into the I-League.  As one of the experienced coaches who has been in the fraternity of Indian football for a long time,” Definitely we will as the way we are now handling the team, it has to. 

Although I being a Bengali from Calcutta, I still like that a team from Mizoram must be there in the I-League because so many players, practically in all nine teams, Mizo players are there. So why not a Mizo team will represent in the I-League? I firmly believe we will not be relegated at any cost.  We will be there in the I-League.

The Aizawl FC team is taking on Mumbai FC in a crucial I- League encounter on Saturday  and Das is quite hopeful about his side performing well in the match. He further added “We will try our best to win the match. I cannot promise it but we will try our best. Mumbai FC played a very good game against Mohun Bagan, no doubt about it. But against Mohun Bagan they had a different strategy. Against us, they will definitely not go for a draw; they will go for a win. So their attacking game will be on display which we are going to tackle.” 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken a variety of initiatives to make the I-League popular. 

Bembem Devi to retire from international football

The All India Football Federation is taking a variety of measures for popularizing the sport further in the country.  The game needs to develop from a grassroot level in the country across all age groups and gender barriers. 

Over the years, women’s football in India has also witnessed a number of key players who have contributed at both national and international levels. Bembem Devi is one of the living legends of Indian football and the South Asian games going on in Shillong would be her last assignment for the nation.

Over the years, the President of the All India Football Federation and former minister Praful Patel has taken a variety of important measures for the progress of the game in the country. Legends like Bembem Devi who has provided the nation with several glorious titles in the past should always be given a fitting farewell. 

Incidentally, Bembem Devi has contributed to large scale for the development of women’s football in the country and led the nation to two important SAFF titles. She is also being seen as an inspiration for the next generation of footballers in India. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, some of the significant changes in the overall scenario of Indian football has happened in the last few years. After her retirement, Bembem Devi aims to take up coaching the All India Football Federation is also looking out to her contributions after it.

As per the version of Bembem Devi, “I had won the AIFF Women's Player of the Year when it was constituted in 2001. But at the same time missing out on Olympic qualification in the year 2015 is something I will regret." I have decided not to get married but decided to sacrifice my life for football. I eat, sleep and drink football, and my goal now is to train youngsters and promote football."

She is also one of the few Indian players who holds the distinction of playing in a foreign league.  In the forthcoming days, Indian women’s football will certainly miss the contribution of a legend on the field.

East Bengal to take on Bengaluru FC in vital I-League encounter

The I – League season is getting all the more exciting with a number of fascinating games coming up. The All India Football Federation is taking several steps to make the I- League all the more popular to the fans.  East Bengal is one of the premier clubs in the country and is all set to take on Bengaluru FC in a vital I- League encounter today.  Bengaluru FC is also the current runners up of the I-league and lost to Mohun Bagan in the deciding match last year. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken several steps for the development of the sport in the country. Bengaluru FC started their I-League campaign on a high note but lost their match against Mumbai FC which somehow resulted in a minor setback. The JSW men are all set to take up the challenge against East Bengal and prove their worth as a team.  But with some of the best players from the country in the team like Udanta Singh, Sunil Chettri and Alwyn George, the  team is up and ready to show East Bengal their worth. 

Under the Praful Patel Profile,  the I- League has been getting highly commercialized and the match between Bengaluru FC and East Bengal is being seen as a high voltage encounter.  As one of the favorites to win the I- League this particular season, East Bengal has already faced Mohun Bagan at the grand setting of the Salt Lake stadium and came up with an impressive performance. 

With the East Bengal team heavily relying upon Do Dong Hyun, the foreign recruit the game is taking shape to be quite a good one. With the goal machine, Ranty Martins in front, the Bengaluru defence has to take some quick action to prevent his exploits. 

Cornell Glen aims to win the I – League with Mohun Bagan

Cornell Glenn is one of the brightest foreign recruits to showcase his skills in the I- League this season. With the I- league off to a fresh start and nine teams vying for the title, the season has certainly all the ingredients to be quite interesting in every way.

With the All India Football Federation taking all the steps to make the sport more popular in the country, players like Cornell Glen certainly stand out as prize catches.  The century old club Mohun Bagan is the defending champions of the I- League and has built a formidable team for the season ahead. 

As the President of the AIFF minister Praful Patel has taken several important measures for the development of the game. The current structure of the I- League says it all where new clubs have been added with an enhancement in marketing strategy plans.

As per the version of Cornell Glen who came up with quite an impressive performance in the match, “I was happy to get on the score-sheet and finally get the ball rolling. Most importantly we won the game even though we did not play too well today. Maybe that was the result of the team only assembling a little late. There are a lot of things to work on and we will get it done,” said Glen.

“My goal is to win the I-League. Anything other than that will be a bonus for me. For me both goals are important. If you get on the score-sheet, it gives you confidence for the upcoming matches. I was given man of the match award today, but I think Balwant (Singh) deserved it more since he was a part of all three goals.

“It's going to take time for me to gel with Balwant. We have only played together for less than two weeks. Once we get things right, it will be pretty good to play with him. We communicate well and Balwant is an attacking minded player. I enjoy playing with him.

Under the Praful Patel profile, Indian football has progressed quite well and the I- league will certainly draw more fans to the stadium. 

SAFF Cup to begin amid all the excitement

The SAFF football championship is all set to begin amid all the excitement and teams from the entire region is participating in it. After the success of the edition in the year 2013 the teams are all geared up for another fabulous tournament ahead. 

The All India Football Federation has taken every possible measure to make the game popular in the country and this time the SAFF tournament is being organized amidst all the excitement from the fans.  This year in the opening match of the tournament Srilanka takes on Nepal. 

Under the visionary leadership and guidance of minister Praful Patel, the All India Football Federation has taken several important steps for the development of the game in the country.  All the seven competing teams have varying ambitions and the host nation India is quite upbeat about winning the tournament.  As per one of the talisman of the Indian striking line Sunil Chettri, the tournament is going to take an interesting shape with all the teams fighting for the prestigious crown.

Under the Praful Patel profile,  Indian football has progressed a lot and the SAFF Cup will be quite competitive with all the teams vying for supremacy. Already one of the strong teams from the SAFF region Pakistan has withdrawn from the tournament and India is on high hopes at least to reach the semifinals without any hindrance.  Some of the teams like Nepal and Maldives are geared up quite well ahead of the tournament as they have foreign  coaches in the line up. 

This will be also quite a test for the Indian players as they come right from the ISL which is currently  one of the globally recognized football tournaments. But the Indian contingent is quite geared up to perform well and showcase their mettle as a team. 

India takes on Maldives in the SAFF Suzuki Cup semi finals

The Indian football team is currently participating in the SAFF Suzuki Cup and has come up with a good performance. The All India Football Federation has taken several measures for the development of the sport in the country.

The SAFF Suzuki Cup stands out as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the region and India is all set to take on Maldives in the semi final on December 31st. As one of the prime contenders in the tournament, India has impressed with a dominating performance and a number of youngsters have played well in the group stage matches. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken several initiatives for making the game popular in the country. The success of the I- league and the ISL speaks volumes about the way Indian football has progressed in the last few years.

Indian coach Stephen Constantine has emphasized upon the inclusion of youth power in Indian football and this particular team has the potential to make it big in the upcoming years.  With the FIFA U-17 World Cup and other few important tournaments coming up, the Indian team certainly has a busy schedule ahead. 

Under the Praful Patel biography, the Indian national football team now enjoys a variety of benefits. International exposure is provided to the players who also get the back up of a highly recognized technical team along with the support staff.  The Indian players are also quite hopeful about coming with an impressive performance against Maldives and the showdown surely promises some exciting football ahead.