Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
Sad news came out of New Delhi as the news spread that former All India Football Federation president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had died at the age of 72. He had been in a coma since 2008, when he had suffered a stroke and never recovered.
Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, a politician with the Congress and former central government minister, is survived by his wife and son.
Dasmunsi first became the AIFF President in 1989, succeeding K. Ziauddin, and held the position for 19 years until his stroke and Praful Patel took over, who said it was “a massive loss for Indian Football”.
In his message, Mr. Patel said, “It is very sad to hear that Mr. Dasmunshi is no more. His contribution to Indian Football can never be forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of the Indian football community are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
“He was a visionary and had laid the path for the development of Indian Football over the years. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das in his message said, “He has been an inspiration to all. He was a workaholic and we will always remember him for his passion for Football. I share the grief.”
“On behalf of AIFF we extend our heartfelt condolences to all members of the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace,” Kushal Das added.
Mr. Dasmunsi, fondly referred to as Priyo-da played a stellar role in laying the foundation for the growth of Football in the country. It was under his leadership that Vision India Projects were launched along with the National Football League, and later the I-League along with the AIFF Elite Academy in Goa.
It was also under his tenure that India won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 in Delhi to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Doha 2011 for the first time since 1984; and also the 2007 Nehru Cup.
“His contribution to Indian football can never be forgotten. Under him, the National Football League started in 1996 (which was rechristened I-League in 2007) and everything today is moving ahead based on the foundation he laid,” AIFF vice-President Subrata Dutta told PTI.
Former Indian captain Baichung Bhutia also paid tribute to the former AIFF chief by saying, “Very very sad to hear that. His contribution to AIFF has been massive. His contribution has really taken Indian football forward.”
“He was very passionate about football. He had football in his blood. He went out of his way in being supportive when I was playing for East Bengal. His passion and love for the game was easily seen by everyone,” he added.
Another Indian football legend I.M. Vijayan, also recalled the contribution made by Mr. Dasmunsi in developing Indian football.
“It is a big loss for Indian football. He was the man who started the National Football League as a sort of pan-India league. It is his legacy. He brought private channels to telecast matches. These are his two most important contributions,” he said.
Mr. Dasmunsi also served as a member of the AFC Executive Committee, the AFC Technical Committee, and was also the Chairman of AFC Legal Committee. He was a member of the FIFA Court of Arbitration and acted as the Vice-President of the Indian Olympic Association.
Besides, he was also actively involved as a FIFA Technical Study Group Member in 1995 Women’s Women Cup (Sweden) and a Match Commissioner in 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup (USA).
The former AIFF President was the first Indian to attain the privilege of being the special Duty officer at the 1998 France World Cup and the 2002 Korea Japan World Cup. He was also the Chef de Mission of the India Olympics Contingent in 2004 in Athens and Match Commissioner for two World Cup Matches in 2006 Germany World Cup.
In addition, Mr. Dasmunsi was also the Venue in charge for FIFA World Cups for three consecutive editions France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006.
RIP Priyada! I will miss our discussions on Indian and international football at the time when I was a newcomer to Indian football. And especially our intense discusson on Indian football’s future in Berlin on the night before the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Germany.
