Veteran sports administrator Kushal Das, the former general secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), passed away in New Delhi at the age of 66. His death has been widely mourned across the Indian football community, where he was regarded as one of the key figures behind several important administrative developments in the sport.
According to reports, Das died at a private hospital in the national capital on Friday. He had earlier stepped down from his role as AIFF general secretary in 2022 due to health reasons after serving in the position for more than a decade.
Long Tenure in Indian Football Administration
Kushal Das served as the General Secretary of the AIFF from 2010 to 2022, making him one of the longest-serving administrators in the federation’s history. During this period, he was closely involved in shaping several policies and structural reforms aimed at strengthening Indian football.
Under his administrative leadership, the Indian national football team qualified for multiple editions of the AFC Asian Cup, and the country hosted several international football events.
Role in FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
One of the most significant milestones during Das’s tenure was India hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first FIFA tournament ever organised in the country. The event was considered a major boost for the popularity and development of football in India.
The tournament attracted global attention and helped expand grassroots football programs across the country.
Career Before AIFF
Before joining the football federation, Kushal Das had an extensive professional career in sports management and finance. He previously worked as the Chief Financial Officer of the International Cricket Council and also held senior roles at international sports management companies.
His experience in global sports administration played a crucial role in strengthening the organisational structure of Indian football during his tenure.
Tributes from the Football Community
Following the news of his passing, officials from the football fraternity expressed condolences to his family. Leaders of the AIFF described him as a dedicated administrator whose efforts helped advance the sport’s development in India.
Kushal Das is survived by his wife and two sons. His contribution to Indian football administration and the growth of the sport in the country will continue to be remembered.
