Picture courtesy: AIFF Media

The setting of the Sun in the Arabian Sea in Mumbai on Wednesday evening (December 3) set up a new dawn in Indian football as the historic new look Cooperage Stadium was inaugurated by Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, President, Asian Football Confederation. The refurbishing of The Cooperage football ground was done under FIFA’s ‘Win in India, With India’ Project.

The occasion was graced by Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Indian Super League, and Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation. Besides, a host of former Internationals, present footballers, FIFA Referees, Coaches and representatives from FIFA, AIFF, Clubs, football kids and fans amongst others, were also present.

Shaikh Salman mentioned about the history of The Cooperage Stadium. “It is a great honour for me to be here standing on this football ground. I know that India has a lot to contribute for the game and under the leadership of Mr. Praful Patel, AIFF has been targeting the right areas to promote the Sport in India and the Asian Football Confederation will be continuing to support them,” he said.

“AFC and FIFA are confident that the successful hosting of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be further boosting the development of football in the country,” he added.

A “nostalgic” Nita Ambani mentioned about her personal connect with The Cooperage.

“It was on this ground that Mukesh (Ambani) and I got married. After that, we have come here many times to watch Mohun Bagan play East Bengal,” she recollected.

“This is a wonderful Stadium. This Stadium has been the Ambassador for Mumbai football and has been synonymous with Mumbai’s football. My heartiest congratulations to WIFA and Mr. Praful Patel,” she stated.

The Artificial Turf laid at the newly built sleek Cooperage Stadium been a part of the FIFA’s Goal Project.

Patel thanked FIFA for their “special interest in developing Indian football.”

“FIFA and out AFC have contributed immensely to the rebirth of football in our country. India was always a great football playing nation. On the occasion of the recently held 60th Anniversary of AFC, Shaikh Salman honoured India as one of the twelve founding members of the AFC,” Patel mentioned.

“This ground has a history of over 127 years,” he said referring to The Cooperage. “This ground was in existence prior to all settling down. There is no reason as to why there should be a stoppage in the growth of football,” he added. “FIFA has spent over 2 million USD to get this stadium ready. I urge all to support the cause of football in the city and in the country.”

“Football in India is developing for sure. The inaugural edition of the Indian Super League was already the highest watched League in Asia within the first six weeks itself. Our next commitment stays to improve the FIFA Rankings of the national team. I can assure you that with the support of all stakeholders, many a talented footballer would like to make a career out of football,” he further stated.

“If India are to make it big in international football, it can only be achieved through a robust Grassroots Development Programme. And as far as it is concerned, I can tell you that FIFA, AFC, AIFF, Mrs. Nita Ambani, IMG-R and all are committed on the same.”

It was only last week that India received the AFC President Award for Grassroots during AFC’s 60th Anniversary in Manila.

Stressing on the significance of Grassroots Development Programme, Ambani also mentioned about Indian Super League’s commitment to “nurture football talent.”

“The ISL and the Reliance Foundation has a robust Grassroots Programme which nurtures the young talent and would make Indian proud,” she maintained.

Former Indian national team players, a host of Referees and Coaches were also felicitated on the occasion.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)