Driven by my passion for football, my academic journey is a testament to the belief that education is the key to effecting change and becoming a catalyst for progress. With the support of UGC Research Fellowships, I embarked on a full-time Doctorate Degree (PhD), delving deep into the realm of Indian football through dedicated research. Traveling across India for my research work allowed me to witness firsthand the intricacies of the football landscape in the country, providing me with invaluable insights into every facet of the sport.

Armed with newfound knowledge and a reinforced sense of purpose, I set out to carve a path in the sports industry, particularly during a time when opportunities in sports management were scarce in India. As a perpetual learner, I continuously sought to enhance my skills and expertise through a blend of formal education and specialized certifications in leadership, sports management, technology, and governance. This commitment to both academic rigor and practical training has equipped me to tackle the challenges of sports development and administration with confidence and competence.

My journey stands as a testament to the power of merging academic excellence with real-world experience, paving the way for meaningful contributions to the dynamic field of sports management and beyond.

Throughout my career, I have held significant leadership positions at various levels, from local to global. These roles have provided me with invaluable opportunities to spearhead impactful initiatives that drive positive change.

As the FIFA Regional Development Officer for South & Central Asia, I had the privilege to lead transformative projects across 12 countries in the region. This included challenging endeavors such as rebuilding football in Afghanistan and implementing a range of impactful initiatives to enhance the sport's reach and impact.

In my consulting capacity with the Asian Football Confederation for over five years, starting in 2017, I was involved in executing numerous development projects across Asia. My role included supporting the AFC and multiple Member Associations in crafting strategic plans, enhancing governance structures, and implementing tailored projects to advance football objectives at the national level.

Additionally, my four-year tenure as a FIFA Expert consultant since 2017 has been instrumental in guiding and mentoring global football projects in various countries. I have provided specialized consultancy on grassroots development, technical advancements, human resources in sports, and strategic planning, contributing to the advancement of FIFA's overarching global initiatives.

These diverse experiences have shaped my approach to leadership and underscore my commitment to driving positive change and development within the realm of sports on a global scale.

As the President of Football Delhi for nearly five years, I have led a transformative journey for football development in Delhi, the capital city of India. Significant progress has been achieved through pioneering initiatives such as governance reforms, organizational rebranding, and the implementation of change management processes. We secured unprecedented sponsorship funding, fostered collaborations, and launched key projects like the Delhi Premier League, the Golden League, and the Women's Football League with two divisions.

Transitioning to the role of Secretary General at the All India Football Federation in 2022, I oversaw the administration of Indian football, driving extensive reforms to elevate the sport nationwide. In a brief tenure of 14 months, historic milestones were achieved, including the national men's team winning three consecutive trophies, hosting the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup 2022, and launching the home & away Women's League. The launch of the flagship grassroots programme “Blue Cubs” was a special moment for me since grassroots has always been my priority. Through this initiative, football was set to grow with unprecedented pace at the grassroots level, eventually engaging 100 million children in football by 2047. The introduction of the first-ever 3rd division national league and the inaugural 2nd Division I-league were instrumental achievements. Vision 2047 was conceptualized to revolutionize Indian football, emphasizing grassroots programs and transforming the women’s football landscape, restructuring the competitive landscape, and positioning Indian football as a rapidly advancing sport.

The priority focus of Vision 2047 was on fostering youth participation, enhancing the economic viability of the game, and developing a formidable team capable of competing at the highest levels in Asia. The long-term ambition is to showcase India's football prowess on the global stage.

In my previous role with AIFF as Director of the national teams and head of football development, I played a key role in advancing the sport in India. Leading the Vision India project, I successfully implemented it in Manipur and several other states. Notably, I spearheaded the inaugural National Grassroots Festival in 2005 and 2006, fostering grassroots football development for both boys and girls.

Being elected to the Asian Football Confederation and South Asian Football Federation Executive Committees in 2023 marked a pinnacle in my extensive 3-decade career. Serving as a board member of the AFC, I actively contribute to shaping football's growth across Asia through strategic decision-making. Additionally, as the Deputy Chairperson of the AFC Finance Committee, I assist in financial planning and resource allocation, aiding the AFC leadership in realizing their goals and shaping the future of the sport in Asia.

Since 2000, I have been a strong advocate for grassroots football, consistently promoting its expansion and progress. Through various projects, I have unlocked football's potential to promote gender equality, improve infrastructure, and create job opportunities in underserved areas.

At the core of my career is a dedication to nurturing talent and providing avenues for budding players, coaches, and administrators. Noteworthy is my role at the Chandigarh Football Academy, where I served as a coach-cum-manager, shaping young football enthusiasts into professional athletes. The academy's commendable history of producing players who have represented the Indian national youth teams since 2002 highlights the impact of these endeavors.

I have visited over 200 schools and colleges, where I have had the privilege of interacting with the student community. During these visits, I have passionately encouraged students to lead an active life by embracing sports and making it an integral part of their daily routines. I strongly advocated to the entire school community, including teachers and parents, the multifaceted benefits of incorporating sports into their lives—not just to become professional athletes but for the overall well-being and development that sports bring.

My interactions with young minds have always been incredibly inspiring. After each engagement, I felt even more motivated to continue encouraging students to take up sports during their school years and beyond. My passion for football, in particular, is rooted in a firm belief in its power to motivate the upcoming generation and establish a lasting legacy of excellence.

Born in Kerala and raised in Bengal's Dooars region, my deep-rooted love for football blossomed at the tender age of 8. Reflecting on my journey from a remote corner of India to engaging with renowned global sports organizations feels like a surreal dream. Despite facing challenges in my childhood, where the majority of local children lacked access to education and the environment was far from conducive, my passion for football, coupled with my parents' guidance, steered me away from negative influences.

For me, football served as a beacon, offering invaluable exposure and lessons in inclusivity from an early age. It provided me with the courage to venture into uncharted territories, armed with a dream to make a meaningful impact. Representing a local tea-garden club not only honed my skills on the field but also instilled in me the virtues of discipline, teamwork, and camaraderie intrinsic to the sport.

These formative experiences laid the groundwork for my enduring dedication to football, recognizing its power to instil hope and unify communities.

I had the incredible opportunity to be involved in the management and operations of three FIFA World Cups: two U17 World Cups in India and one in Chile. Managing these prestigious global youth competitions provided me with invaluable experiences and allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from various parts of the world. Successfully executing these events has prepared me to manage and execute mega global events, and the memories will stay for life.

Among these, the most significant was the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2022 in India. Although my involvement lasted only two months, it was the most challenging and crucial event to execute.

Over the past two decades, I have contributed numerous articles and write-ups on football and various sports topics for publications and online platforms. Addressing critical issues within the Indian sports scene, I have offered solutions and strategic insights to propel football forward, not just locally but on a global scale.

Authoring my debut book, "Back to the Roots," has been a rewarding journey. This book encapsulates my vision for fostering global football growth through structured grassroots development. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, my aim is to enrich the football community, especially those dedicated to grassroots football. "Back to the Roots" serves as a valuable resource, empowering football enthusiasts with insights and tools to enhance our beloved sport's future.

I'm excited to share my latest endeavor in uniting the sports industry through the launch of the Association for Sports Industry Professionals (ASIP). This initiative aims to bring together professionals from the sports industry in India to collaborate and elevate the sports sector. The overwhelming support indicates a promising future for Indian sports as we bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, paving the way for its true potential.

Since 2015, I have been associated with one of the world’s best Sports Management Institutions, Europe’s No. 1 CIES. Based in Switzerland, CIES collaborates actively with FIFA, and through this collaboration, I successfully launched the CIES International Network Sports Management Programme in India in 2018 with Pillai Management Institute, Mumbai. The programme has been successfully operating in Mumbai for the past 6 years.

In addition, I am a member of the Board of Management at Delhi Sports University and am involved in numerous other initiatives aimed at providing India with top-tier Sports Education programmes and courses. These efforts are designed to support our youth who aspire to be part of the sports industry.

Football, to me, goes beyond being just a sport; it acts as a driving force for social transformation. Through firsthand experiences of its profound impact, I have committed myself to using football as a tool to reconstruct lives in conflict-ridden areas and empower marginalized communities. By actively participating in initiatives that harness football for intervention, I aim to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for all.