New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): The start anniversary of Indian soccer legend and captain within the 1960 Rome Olympics, Pradip Kumar Banerjee, which falls on June 23, will likely be celebrated because the ‘All India Football Federation (AIFF) Grassroots Day’, introduced the governing physique of Indian soccer.
“June 23, the birth anniversary of Pradip Kumar Banerjee, India’s captain in the 1960 Rome Olympics and popularly known as PK, will henceforth be celebrated as ‘AIFF Grassroots Day,” mentioned a press release from AIFF issued on Saturday.
Explaining the rationale behind selecting PK’s birthday, AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran mentioned it’s a well-known undeniable fact that PK was an exemplary footballer, who performed a pivotal position in India’s historic Gold Medal end within the 1962 Asian Games.
“However, we often forget Pradip da was a teacher par excellence too. Once he hung up his boots, he took up coaching and for the next 30 years, produced an array of players, who excelled at the National and International levels. While his role as a National and a club coach is much discussed, the Indian football fraternity cannot forget PK da’s contribution at the grassroots level, his leadership at the Tata Football Academy, his ability to inspire and fine-tune the budding talents whenever with the junior National teams.”In 1969, when FIFA ran its first teaching course in Japan below German coach Dettmar Cramer, generally known as the ‘Football Professor’ within the worldwide circuit, PK enrolled himself for the course and returned house with a First-Class diploma.
The AIFF Grassroots Day is in retaining according to the Strategic Roadmap ‘Vision 2047’, which seeks to extend grassroots participation within the nation. The purpose is to have interaction 35 million kids in soccer by 2026 and as much as 100 million by 2047. The Federation has introduced the Blue Cubs programme which is able to collaborate with NGOs, colleges, golf equipment, academies in addition to varied different stakeholders to increase the grassroots ecosystem.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey paid homage to PK Banerjee whereas saying the AIFF Grassroots Day and mentioned the Federation would try to honour his reminiscence by making certain the fixed development of the sport.
“No words I use will be enough to honour Pradip da’s contribution to Indian Football. He deserves all our appreciation. There are a rare few like him, a great player, a great mentor and a great coach who was filled with passion and always wanted to see Indian Football rise. Celebrating his birthday as the grassroots day is a tribute from our end to recognise his contribution to the game,” mentioned Chaubey.
Dr Prabhakaran emphasised its significance to the Blue Cubs programme itself. “We want more children to take part in the game and the Blue Cubs project is keyed towards increasing participation at the grassroots level.””That in itself will also be another way for us to honour the legend, PK Banerjee. It is perfect to celebrate the grassroots day on his birthday because his contribution to Indian Football is huge. In this way, we will recognize his contribution to Indian Football as well as grow football at the grassroots, create a vibrant culture and develop a good ecosystem for the sport in India.”Born on June 23, 1936, in Jalpaiguri, Banerjee is extensively thought to be considered one of India’s best footballers and was India’s highest goalscorer with 4 targets en path to Gold Medal within the 1962 Asian Games. In a glittering worldwide profession, Banerjee performed two Olympics (1956, 1960) and three Asian Games (1958, 1962, 1966) and was the primary footballer to obtain the celebrated Arjuna Award within the yr of its inception, 1961.
He was conferred with Padma Shri in 1990. In 1969, when FIFA ran its first teaching course in Japan below German coach Dettmar Cramer, generally known as the ‘Football Professor’ within the worldwide circuit, PK enrolled himself for the course and returned house with a First-Class diploma. Among many first, he achieved as a coach was a soccer teaching course he ran on Doordarshan for a lot of weeks. He handed away on March 20, 2020, in Kolkata. (ANI)