Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA) got wings to their dream after Parimal Nathwani was named as the President of the state association.
At the executive body meeting in the city on Sunday, the state association named the Member of Parliament Nathwani as their new president while Natwar R Sisodia was named as the new
treasurer of the association.
“Yes, we elected Mr Nathwani as the new president of the state association while N R Sisodia will be our new treasurer,” GSFA secretary Gulab Chauhan said. And the state association wasted no time to discuss their dream project with the new president.
“Mr Nathwani was instrumental behind the redevelopment of Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera. He is the driving force behind such a magnificent cricket stadium that is coming up in the city. Keeping that in mind we had requested him if he can help us get any land from the state government. We would like to use his vast experience and leadership to build a football stadium in the state,” Chauhan told Mirror
“We are still at an ideation stage but a stadium of our own could give Gujarat football a big boost,” Chauhan added. “In future, we would like to host national and international football matches in the state. We believe that the exposure can boost the football in the state which had done well during the sub-junior and junior national championships this year,” the veteran administrator added.
When contacted. Nathwani said, “I am grateful to all members for their support and electing me as the president of GSFA.” On being asked about the plans for building a new stadium, Nathwani said, “The meeting today was for elections and no discussions has taken place regarding this proposed new stadium.”
Focus on Grassroots
“We had approached Nathwani three years back. At the time he was associated with cricket and could not join us. We are happy that he has now decided to help us in the development of the game,” Chauhan added.
Chauhan also revealed that Nathwani was aware of the performance of the Patan girls, who had made their name with their recent performances at both state and national levels and wanted to develop football here.
“He has been associated with sports for a long time now. And he is very much aware of what is happening. He even inquired about the performance of the Patan girls who were recently in limelight. Inspired by their performance, Nathwani is keen for the development of the game at the grassroots level,” Chauhan revealed.
Credit: Ahmedabad Mirror