New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kushal Das, has tragically passed away at the age of 66. He is mourned by his wife and two sons.

Das dedicated 12 years to the AIFF, assuming his role in November 2010. Prior to his tenure at the AIFF, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer at the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai.

During his time at the AIFF, Das was instrumental in overseeing significant events and transformative changes that elevated the profile of football in India. Notably, the country successfully hosted the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. Women’s football also made remarkable strides under his leadership, particularly with the establishment of the Indian Women's League in 2017. Towards the conclusion of his tenure, India hosted major international events, including the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

In 2022, the experienced administrator resigned from his position, citing health concerns.

The AIFF President, Kalyan Chaubey, expressed his condolences, stating, "Kushal Das was a pivotal figure in the administration and advancement of Indian football throughout his term as General Secretary of the AIFF. His contributions to the sport will be cherished. On behalf of the entire Indian football community, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family in this trying time. May he rest in peace."

AIFF Deputy Secretary General, M. Satyanarayan, remarked, "It is indeed heartbreaking to learn of Mr. Das's passing. He was one of the longest-serving General Secretaries of the AIFF, dedicating over 12 years to the organization. During his leadership, significant changes occurred at Football House, including the establishment of new departments. His loss creates a substantial void in sports administration. May he rest in peace."

A chartered accountant by profession, Kushal Das brought a wealth of experience in sports management to Indian football. Early in his career, he worked with several international firms such as PwC, GSK, and Shell. In 1996, he joined IMG as Chief Financial Officer when the global sports marketing company entered the Indian market.

Former AIFF chief and ex-FIFA council member Praful Patel also shared his condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the news of Kushal Das's passing. As a seasoned administrator, his decade-long tenure was crucial in professionalizing Indian football and successfully hosting the historic 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Beyond the administrative realm, his commitment to youth development and crafting a progressive roadmap for the sport leaves an enduring legacy. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the football community he served with such dedication. May he find eternal peace."