Kolkata, Aug 20 (UNI) An online meeting featuring representatives from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) was held to discuss the development of futsal in India, the, AIFF said on Friday. AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said the Indian football governing body is keen to develop and grow Futsal and Beach Soccer in India.
“Futsal is one of the fastest-growing sports and we are looking to initiate Futsal activities when the situation allows. We are also looking forward to conducting the National Club Championship in October/November in Meghalaya. We thank AFC for the meeting on Futsal and for their continued support over the years in developing Futsal in India.” Mr Das, who was in the meeting held on Thursday, said.
Head of Futsal and Beach Soccer at AFC Ali Targholizadeh acknowledged India’s potential in Futsal and Beach Soccer development. He discussed the role of Futsal in the development of skill full and world-class football players, giving examples of past and current great players.
He also explained how small-sided games of Futsal help players to be creative and make quick decisions on the field and the importance of coach education in the growth and development of the players in the game. He shared case studies of countries like China and
Malaysia, who have created a great impact on Futsal by introducing Futsal coach educators in the countries.”India has huge potential to be a Futsal and Beach Soccer powerhouse in Asia,” he said acknowledging India’s potential. AIFF CEO Sunando Dhar spoke about the development of the National Futsal Club
Championship, which is being planned to be conducted in Shillong in October/November 2021, and also sought the potential of the winning club to participate in the AFC Futsal Club Championship.
The attendees were also briefed about the progress regarding the development of Futsal in various states, including online coach and referee education, and State Club Championships, and AIFF’s intent to initiate Futsal grassroots activities for children, schools and colleges.
