Football
AIFF appoints Anil Kumar as the new secretary general
After assuming charge, Anil Kumar expressed his desire to improve the quality of Indian football.
Anil Kumar was welcomed at the Football House by the AIFF Treasurer Kipa Ajay and Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan. (Photo credit: AIFF Media)
All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Anil Kumar as the new secretary general on Monday at the Indian Football House in Delhi.
"The priority will be improving the quality of football," Anil Kumar said in an AIFF press release after assuming charge.
However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead in attaining a place at the highest level of international football.
"I don't know how long we will take to make it at that level. But still, we are starting with the hope that we can do something better. We will not give up until we succeed," he said.
Anil Kumar also stressed the need to enhance India's FIFA ranking and elevate the sport's standards to gain international recognition.
"Our focus will be to work together with all the stakeholders to improve the quality of Indian football and make it more acceptable at the international level," he affirmed.
The new secretary general of AIFF also expressed his intent to collaborate with clubs, investors, and state governments, and even seek support from AFC and FIFA to analyse areas where Indian football lags.
He also expressed his wish to involve the central government in formulating a long-term strategy for the sport's development.
An experienced sports administrator, Anil Kumar brings his extensive understanding of football administration from his tenure with the Kerala Football Association.
He is optimistic about the future, stating, "We will work together as a team along with the member associations and other stakeholders of Indian football to take the game ahead in the coming days."
