The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced June 23 as 'AIFF Grassroots Day,' commemorating the birth anniversary of Indian football icon Pradip Kumar Banerjee. This decision was made in acknowledgment of PK’s remarkable contributions to Indian football, notably his instrumental role in leading the national team to a historic Gold Medal triumph in the 1962 Asian Games. Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, Secretary General of the AIFF, revealed why PK's birthday was chosen as an homage to his excellent career as a footballer.
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PK Banerjee, renowned as the ‘Football Professor’ in international circles, demonstrated his dedication to football development by enrolling in FIFA’s inaugural coaching course held in Japan in 1969 under German coach Dettmar Cramer. PK completed the course successfully, receiving a First-Class degree. The AIFF Grassroots Day is in line with the Strategic Roadmap 'Vision 2047,' which aims to increase grassroots participation in Indian football. The objective is to involve 35 million children in football by 2026 and eventually reach 100 million by 2047. As part of this initiative, the Federation has introduced the Blue Cubs program, collaborating with NGOs, schools, clubs, academies, and other stakeholders to expand the grassroots ecosystem.
Career and Life of Pradip Kumar Banerjee:
Pradip Kumar Banerjee, born on June 23, 1936, in Jalpaiguri, is widely recognized as one of India’s greatest footballers. He played a significant role in India’s Gold Medal victory at the 1962 Asian Games, where he scored four goals, making him the country’s top goalscorer in the tournament. Banerjee had a remarkable international career, representing India in two Olympics (1956, 1960) and three Asian Games (1958, 1962, 1966). In 1961, he was the first recipient of the renowned Arjuna Award, and in 1990, he was awarded the Padma Shri. Banerjee furthered his contribution to football by enrolling in FIFA’s first coaching course in Japan in 1969, conducted by renowned coach Dettmar Cramer. He achieved a First-Class degree from the course and made various coaching achievements, including conducting a football coaching course on Doordarshan, a national television network in India. Banerjee passed away on March 20, 2020, in Kolkata.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
• President: Kalyan Chaubey;
• AIFF has its headquarters at the Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi;
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was formed in 1937.
