Kushal Das, Former AIFF General Secretary, Passes Away at 66

Tributes Pour In for Kushal Das

New Delhi, March 13: Kushal Das, the former general secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), has died at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Das dedicated 12 years to the AIFF, taking on the role of general secretary in November 2010. Prior to his tenure at AIFF, he was the chief financial officer for the International Cricket Council (ICC) based in Dubai.

During his time with the federation, he played a crucial role in elevating the status of football in India. Notably, the country hosted the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup under his leadership. Additionally, the establishment of the Indian Women's League in 2017 marked significant progress for women's football. Towards the end of his term, India also successfully hosted the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

In 2022, he stepped down from his position at AIFF, citing health concerns.

Kalyan Chaubey, the president of AIFF, expressed his sorrow over the loss of one of the longest-serving general secretaries, stating, "Kushal Das was pivotal in the administration and growth of Indian football. His contributions will be cherished. I extend my deepest condolences to his family during this challenging time. May he rest in peace."

M. Satyanarayan, the AIFF deputy secretary general, remarked on the sadness surrounding Das's passing, noting, "His tenure saw significant changes and the creation of new departments within the Football House. His loss is a significant blow to sports administration. May he rest in peace."

A chartered accountant by training, Kushal Das brought a wealth of experience in sports management to Indian football. Early in his career, he worked with various international firms, including PwC, GSK, and Shell. In 1996, he joined IMG as Chief Financial Officer when the company expanded into the Indian market.

Former AIFF president and ex-FIFA council member Praful Patel also shared his condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the news of Kushal Das's passing. His extensive experience and leadership were vital in professionalizing Indian football and hosting the landmark 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Beyond his administrative role, his dedication to youth development and creating a modern vision for the sport will leave a lasting impact. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and the football community he served so well. May he find eternal peace."