India and CAFA Collaborate for a Brighter Future in Football
On October 30, 2023, in Doha, Qatar, Indian football achieved a historic milestone, advancing towards global recognition and progress. AIFF and CAFA jointly signed a ground-breaking MoU, initiating a new era of collaboration set to revolutionize Indian football.
The pivotal aspect is the MoU, enabling India’s National Teams to join all-age group men’s and women’s CAFA competitions. This invitational participation is set to provide Indian football with invaluable opportunities for growth and development.
AIFF, with President Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, signed the MoU and engaged in fruitful discussions with CAFA officials.
Terms of MoU:
1. Indian Football Teams’ Participation in CAFA Age Group Tournaments (Men’s & Women’s): The centrepiece of this collaboration is the inclusion of Indian National Teams across all age groups in CAFA competitions. Indian talents shine on the global stage, fostering development and newfound opportunities in the international arena.
2. Mutual Benefits in Youth Football Development: The discussions also underlined the importance of youth football development, which is fundamental for nurturing young talent. The collaboration aims to provide Indian players with invaluable experience and competitive exposure, setting the stage for their long-term growth.
3. Coach Education: The exchange of knowledge and best practices in coaching is another critical facet of this partnership. It promises to enhance the professional development of coaches in India, ultimately raising the overall coaching standards within the country.
This collaboration aims to promote and fortify women’s football in India, empowering and nurturing women’s participation and growth in the sport.
AFC’s Mr. Kardany, along with CAFA’s Presidents and General Secretaries, witnessed the momentous signing of the MoU. CAFA consists of member associations from Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Notably, CAFA functions as one of the five regional associations under the Asian Football Confederation, with its current headquarters in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey praises the partnership, providing valuable exposure for Indian National Teams across all age groups. He extended his thanks to CAFA’s management for accommodating India’s request to participate in Central Asian competitions.
Dr. Prabhakaran stresses the necessity of heightened competition for Indian players, underlining the collaboration’s driving force for growth and development. He noted that these added opportunities would better prepare Indian teams for continental competitions, especially given the high level of competitiveness in the Central Asian region. Dr. Prabhakaran envisions mutual benefits, a significant stride in Indian football’s growth, fostering cooperation and development between both regions.
Summary Of MoU
In summary, this historic collaboration between AIFF and CAFA signifies a transformative moment in Indian football. CAFA lifts Indian teams, fortifies youth, coaching, women’s football, and refereeing, strengthening Indian football and regional progress. The collaboration stands as a testament to the unifying power of football, fostering stronger ties between India and the Central Asian nations while providing a promising future for the sport in both regions.
