All the 14 candidates who had filed nominations for as many govt committee members’ posts have been elected unopposed.
All the 14 candidates who had filed nominations for as many govt committee members’ posts have been elected unopposed.
It was at all times anticipated to be a straightforward victory for Kalyan Choubey however even by Indian sports activities administration requirements, his 33-1 win in opposition to Bhaichung Bhutia to turn into president of the All India Football Federation on Friday was an sudden landslide.
Choubey, the 45-year previous former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan goalkeeper, grew to become the primary player-turned-president within the 85-year previous historical past of the AIFF. Having joined the BJP a couple of years in the past, he had additionally unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections however with large political help, had been thought-about a frontrunner for the submit.
And regardless that he insisted his victory had nothing to do along with his political affiliations — “my identity is first and foremost as a footballer that no one can deny,” he declared throughout an impromptu press meet – there was no denying the patronage he loved. “Tell me one federation at any level that does not have political support,” he questioned, the reply apparent to all.
What was attention-grabbing was that with only one vote for Bhutia from the 34-member legitimate electoral school, the previous nationwide captain clearly couldn’t muster even the votes from each his backers who proposed and seconded his nomination.
With the 14 members of the Executive Committee being elected unopposed, contest was on for under the three prime posts with Karnataka’s NA Haris defeating Manvendra Singh 29-5 for the vice-president’s submit and Arunachal Pradesh’s Ajay Kipa successful 31-2 in opposition to Gopalakrishna Kosaraju to turn into the treasurer. Bhutia stated he would proceed to be a part of the AIFF administration as an ‘eminent player’ member of the Executive Committee. Six gamers – 4 males and two ladies — could be co-opted to finish the 23-member EC.
Bhutia left instantly after the consequence was recognized however insisted it was not the tip of his affiliation with the sport’s administration. “I hope Kalyan will take Indian football forward. I have been working with football even before the elections and will continue to do that now also,” he stated.
Choubey, in the meantime, made all the fitting noises about working collectively for reasonable targets and never promoting goals. “We all can agree that Bhaichung’s contribution to Indian football can be matched by very few and we welcome him (in EC). Every person who can contribute will be taken together to move ahead as a united team,” he stated regardless that the latter was conspicuous along with his absence.
Detailing the instant way forward for the newly-elected EC, Choubey stated he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and introduced {that a} short-term plan could be offered on September 7 with the primary formal assembly to be held in Kolkata on September 17-18. “Along with eminent footballers including Shabbir Ali, IM Vijayan and Climax Lawrence, we hope to present a realistic roadmap for Indian football after 100 days. Everyone wants India to play in the World Cup but we need to plan how to go about it and the direction it needs to take,” he added.
Source: www.thehindu.com