A tripartite agreement between Asian Football Confederation (AFC), All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy & Sports Science Centre (SRASSC) for the upcoming 5th AFC Medical Conference was signed here today as a first step towards a long partnership to develop football in the country.
The 5th AFC Medical Conference, held every four years is the first-of-its-kind in India to be held here from April 2 to 4, with an expected attendees of 800-1,000 including international delegates. India plays host to this high level "evidence based science & medicine" conference for the first time in South and Central Asia.
Moments after signing on the dotted line, Dato Dr. Gurcharan Singh, chairman, AFC Medical Committee said that, "This is the first time that we are having a private Medical Institution coming on board for the cause of Sports Medicine and Football in particular."
"This is a milestone for football medicine in Asia. Medical institutions have in addition to clinical medicine now set eyes unto new and growing field of sports medicine. The partnership is very timely as FIFA and AFC is focusing on development of Indian football. The health care of players is essential for the growth of the sport and performance."
Dr. Arumugam, Director and Head, SSASSC was thrilled at the collaboration.
"I would like to thank Mr. Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Regional Development Officer for South and Central Asia). He was the one who informed me about this opportunity. I sincerely thank AFC and AIFF for letting us be a part of the Conference and I am confident that under their guidance we will be able to serve the purpose," he said.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das added: "We are extremely glad with the development. As Dato Guru pointed out this is the first the time any Medical Institution has come forward to support Football. We are looking forward to the partnership," he said.
Earlier in the day, Dato Dr. Guru Chaired a meeting to form the joint working committee to ensure successful organisation of the forthcoming conference in April 2015.
He pointed out that this conference is not only for medical doctors but the scientific programme caters for sports physiologists, nutritional experts, physiotherapy & rehabilitation specialists, coaches, referees, fitness instructors, etc.
