In a momentous press conference held in Pune, India, on July 31, 2023, the Football Skating Federation of India (FSFI) received official recognition from the President of the International Federation Football Skating (FIFS), Mehdi Salman Pour. During the event, Ikramuddin Essa Khan was appointed as the President of FSFI, marking a significant milestone for football skating in the country. The FSFI has been presented with the prestigious National Federation Recognition License, endorsed by the International Professional Training Certification (IPTC) and FIFS.
Football Skating: A Sport with a Rich History
President Salman Pour acknowledged India’s immense potential in various sports, particularly modern disciplines. He shed light on the rich history of Football Skating, which traces its roots back to London in 1882. Over the years, the sport has grown exponentially, encompassing more than 200 active countries, 65 national federations, and boasting a global community of over 4,000 certified coaches and referees.
Global Recognition and Prestigious Tournaments
Zahra Abdoliharandi, the personal assistant to the President of FIFS, revealed that 14 Football Skating World Cups have been officially held in prominent countries such as England, Germany, America, Italy, Brazil, France, Netherlands, and Belgium. The upcoming 15th edition of this prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Turkey later this year, with India’s national team expected to participate.
Promoting Gender Equality
President Salman Pour highlighted the sport’s unique appeal in promoting gender equality. Football Skating allows both men and women to compete together on the same team, exemplifying FIFS’s strong advocacy for gender parity in their World Championships.
Ikram Khan’s Vision for Football Skating in India
As the newly appointed President of FSFI, Ikram Khan outlined his ambitious plans for the growth of the sport in India. His vision includes appointing board members, managers, and committee heads from various Indian states to build a cohesive and dedicated team. Focus will then shift towards implementing extensive training programs in schools, fostering widespread development of football skating. State and national competitions will take center stage, as the Federation aims to identify and nurture the most talented players to represent India with pride in future World Cup events.
