AIFF celebrates golden anniversary of India’s victory in AFC Youth Championship

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the golden jubilee of the Indian youth national team’s historic victory in the AFC Youth Championship in 1974. The team, which was declared joint winners with Iran after a thrilling final in Bangkok, Thailand, was honored in a special ceremony attended by football enthusiasts and dignitaries.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey presented mementoes to six members of the squad, including captain Shabbir Ali, in recognition of their remarkable achievement. The coach of the winning team, Arun Ghosh, was unable to attend due to health reasons, but his son-in-law accepted the memento on his behalf.

Reflecting on the past glory of Indian football, the AIFF president emphasized the need for greater international exposure and collaboration in the sport. He highlighted the missed opportunities in the past and stressed the importance of catching up with other nations who have made significant progress in football development.

During an interactive session after the felicitation ceremony, former midfielder S.P. Kumar pointed out the shortcomings in the Indian football system compared to countries like Japan and South Korea. He emphasized the need for improved coaching methods and infrastructure to nurture young talent and enhance the overall development of the sport in the country.

The team members shared their experiences and memories of the victorious campaign, expressing pride in their achievements and hope that their legacy will inspire the current generation of footballers. The ceremony served as a reminder of India’s past footballing glory and the potential for future success with the right approach and dedication.