Guwahati, Oct 27: – John Abraham, the owner of NorthEast United FC, has lauded Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), for her proactive engagement in the advancement of Indian football.
During an interaction following NorthEast United FC’s 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC, Abraham expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Nita Ambani, emphasizing her hands-on approach in elevating the sport in India to meet global standards.
“I am very thankful to Mrs. Nita Ambani. She has been fantastically proactive and personally involved in this process. Everyone in the team has been fantastic, and been helpful and supportive. Their contribution has been invaluable. We want to take football to a certain level. It’s not just about NorthEast United FC, honestly, it’s about Indian football. For that, I wish that all clubs do well and that our local talents shine,” remarked Abraham.
He also commended the contributions of Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) in nurturing grassroots sports in the country, especially in the Northeast region. Abraham acknowledged the positive impact of RFYS and other initiatives like the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) in providing opportunities and platforms for players to showcase their talents through increased access to competitive playing time.
“First, I want to give credit to Reliance and the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports for contributing to this process. I think all the clubs, including NEUFC through our grassroots program have contributed as much as we can to this process. We are grateful for completing 10 years and looking at another fantastic 10 years ahead,” added Abraham.
He highlighted the role of RFYS in promoting equal participation across genders, including the introduction of the U-15 girls’ category, with over 24,000 young athletes participating in the 2023-24 football season. The RFDL, involving nearly 60 Indian clubs in its second season, has led to more matches and improved competitive playing experiences for players, essential for bringing Indian football up to international standards.
