Futuro III kicks-off in New Delhi

Participants with Mr. Kushal Das at the Futuro III Opening ceremony
Futuro III Referee Instructors Course, the first of its kind in India, kicked-off at a glittering Opening Ceremony in the Capital on Thursday (March 1, 2012). Mr. Kushal Das, the General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, lit the traditional lamp besides declaring the Course Open.

Muhiseen Ariff, RDO-FIFI Instructor from Sri Lanka, Lim Kee Chong, FIFA technical Instructor from Maritius and Ganeshan Maniam, FIFA Instructor Fitness from Singapore would be conducting the sessions. The six-day course is being attended by 51 participants from all over the country.

Das in his address stressed, “Education is very important aspect in any sport, especially in football which is going through a very interesting phase in India.”

“Such courses help to further develop the knowledge and technical know-how of the people involved with it. Continuous development of every aspect – be it playing, coaching or refereeing is essential for the development of the sport,” he added.

“The endeavour stays to find future Elite Referees from India.” He urged the participants to “implement what they would be taught.”

Das also read out AIFF President Praful Patel’s address who wasn’t able to attend because of some prior commitments. “I wish all the participants warm regards and hope the course goes well. I believe the participants would get the desired result, which all are striving for,” he read out on behalf of the AIFF President.

Ariff insisted, “there’s no reason to believe why sub-continental referees can’t make it big at the World Stage.”

He was all praise for Gautam Kar, the Head of Referees, AIFF. “With such a strong background, Kar is the right man for the job in India. He played a major role in bringing the Futuro III to India,” he added. Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Regional Development Officer – South and Central Asia, was also present on the occasion.