FIFA Regional Development Officer for South and Central Asia Shaji Prabhakaran launched his book, “Back To The Roots – A definitive guide to Grassroots & Football Development”, at a snazzy Hotel in the Capital today (November 7) in the presence of a stellar cast inclusive of AIFF President Praful Patel, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das and Indian footballing legends I.M. Vijayan, Baichung Bhutia, Jo Paul Ancheri and Bruno Coutinho.

The book focuses on the roadmap of Indian football to India’s first ever FIFA World Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, and details the strategies on how to propel football in India into a major game, whilst working on football at a grassroots level.

Speaking on the occasion, the AIFF President Praful Patel lauding the book said, “It is very nice to turn up for a book launch that is about football. It is very refreshing and heart warming.”

“I like the book by the title and the book reminds us that Indian football needs Grassroots and it is imperative to work on it.”

“Our entire focus right now is at the grassroots level and that is why Indian football is witnessing changes and progressing in the right direction”, he added.

“It is good to know that a book on grassroots football in India has been written and we at the AIFF have been promoting grassroots vigorously throughout the country”, said Baichung Bhutia.

Now Author, FIFA RDO Shaji Prabhakaran discussing his inspiration behind the book opined, “Whatever I am today is because of football. I would not have made it so far if it was not for football.”

“There are a lot of passionate people in India when it comes to football and I wanted to give something back to them. Football gives immense joy in people’s lives.”

“If one percent of people in India can learn something through this book then my attempt in authoring a book will be successful”, Shaji stated.

(Report & Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)