Kushal Das, a prominent figure in Indian football and former general secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), died on Friday in New Delhi at the age of 66. His passing occurred at a private hospital, as confirmed by fellow football administrator Shaji Prabhakaran. Das is survived by his wife and two sons.

Significant Contributions to Indian Football

Das held the position of AIFF general secretary for 12 years before stepping down in 2022 due to health issues. Throughout his tenure, he played a vital role in advancing Indian football administration and was instrumental in securing hosting rights for several international tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey remarked that Das’s efforts in promoting Indian football will be remembered, extending his condolences to Das’s family.

A Professional Background in Sports Management

Before joining the AIFF in 2010, Das worked as the Chief Financial Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai. He also had experience with International Management Group (IMG) India and previous roles at organizations like PwC, GSK, and Shell. His financial expertise played a crucial role in transforming the sports landscape in India.

A Legacy of Administrative Excellence

AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan noted Das’s lengthy and impactful tenure, emphasizing that his contributions led to many administrative reforms within the federation. Das was also recognized for his efforts in developing a structured youth basketball pathway, contributing significantly to long-term player development in Indian football.

Achievements During his Tenure

Under Das’s leadership, the Indian national football team qualified for three AFC Asian Cup tournaments. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which he described as a “game changer,” set attendance records for FIFA youth tournaments. He was also pivotal in securing rights to host the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, increasing India’s profile in international sports.

Collaboration with Marketing Partners

Das was instrumental in partnering with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in 2010, a move that paved the way for the establishment of the Indian Super League (ISL). This partnership was crucial in financial recovery for the federation after the withdrawal of previous broadcasters.

Education and Early Career

Das completed his BSc in Mathematics from St Stephen’s College in Delhi before embarking on a career that included significant leadership roles in both football and other sports. His resignation in 2022 came amid a transition following a Supreme Court decision that addressed administrative issues within the AIFF.

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