The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday got a former player as its first president in its 85-year history, with Kalyan Chaubey beating the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia in the election for the top post in New Delhi.ย
In its 85-year history, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) elected Kalyan Chaubey, a former player, as its first president on Friday. Chaubey defeated legendary footballerย Bhaichung Bhutia for the top postย in New Delhi.
The 45-year-old Chaubey, a former goalkeeper for Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, triumphed 33-1, a result that was predictable given that former captain Bhutia did not have many admirers among the 34 voters on the list made up of state association officials.
The 45-year-old "Sikkimese Sniper" was unable to secure the support of his state association representative for filing his nomination papers.
We congratulate Mr. on being elected as the President, Mr. as the Vice President, and Mr. Kipa Ajay as the Treasurer of the All India Football Federation ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๏ธ โฝ pic.twitter.com/YRwexiUntx
โ Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball)Also read:ย FIFA lifts ban on AIFF: Bhaichung Bhutia welcomes move; says it's time to change system
Chaubey, a BJP politician who lost the last parliamentary election for the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal, never played for the India senior team. However, he was in the squad on a few occasions. He, however, played for India in age-group international tournaments. He was also a former goalkeeper at both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Bhutia and Chaubey were one-time teammates at East Bengal.ย
Karnataka Football Association president N A Haris, a sitting Congress MLA, won the election for the lone post of vice president, beating Manvendra Singh of Rajasthan FA.ย
Arunachal Pradesh's Kipa Ajay beat Gopalakrishna Kosaraju of Andhra Pradesh for the treasurer's post. Kosaraju and Manvendra proposed and seconded Bhutia. All the 14 candidates who had filed nominations for as many executive committee members' posts were elected unopposed.
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages poured in for Chaubey across social media platforms. Bhaichung Bhutia too sent his wishes Chaubey and stated he will continue working towards the betterment of football.
"Congratulations to Kalyan. I hope under him we will be able to take football forward and thanks to all football fans across India for the last couple of days, showing so much of support and encouragement. I've been working for football before the elections. After that as well I will be working," the former Indian captain said.
Former AIFF President Praful Patel too wished Chaubey on his victory. "Congratulations to former India goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey on being elected as the new president of AIFF. I am sure he will take Indian football to greater heights and glory. I extend my whole hearted support to him for the betterment of this beautiful game & wish him all the best," he said.
Congratulations to former India goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey on being elected as the new president of AIFF.
I am sure he will take Indian football to greater heights and glory.
I extend my whole hearted support to him for the betterment of this beautiful game & wish him all the best
Here's a look at some of the other reactions:
Congratulations to Mr. Kalyan Chaubey on being the Newly Elected President of AIFF and all the Executive Committee Members. pic.twitter.com/tMtaBEHlMc
โ Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan)Kalyan Chaubey becomes the first player-president of All India Football Federation. Congratulations ๐๐ Hopefully we can see a clean-up nd fresh start and some changes. pic.twitter.com/PY3i1s840g
โ ยนโด^ยณโต (@RM_madridbabe)Congratulations Kalyan Chaubey on being elected as the President of the All India Football Federation.
Kalyan Chaubey has secured 33 votes while Bhaichung Bhutia managed 1. pic.twitter.com/1Pb7oEh6tx
We congratulate Mr. on being elected as the President, Mr. as the Vice President, and Mr. Kipa Ajay as the Treasurer of the All India Football Federation ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๏ธ โฝ pic.twitter.com/YRwexiUntx
โ Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball)Heartiest Congratulations to Former Indian International Kalyan Chaubey for getting elected as the new president of the AIFF. Expectations are high regarding this new appointment so may he be the reason to change the fate of Indian Football! pic.twitter.com/05PqylGrGN
โ SWEN - Voice Of Indian Football Fans (@SwenFtbl)Congratulation Kalyan Chaubey!
New President
New era started pic.twitter.com/ih2VWUkGLi
Congratulations to Sh Kalyan Chaubey on being elected as the AIFF President with a thumping majority. Also a proud moment for , who had proposed his nomination. pic.twitter.com/kiXmZbn4gH
โ Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal)๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ง๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐
๐
๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ! โฝ๐ฎ๐ณ
Congratulations to Mr. Kalyan Chaubey For becoming New AIFF president. pic.twitter.com/VxpZFFKnnq
Kalyan Chaubey becomes the new AIFF president ..Hope Indian football will be developed under his regime .. Congratulations ๐ pic.twitter.com/ly7NFwmojL
โ BADGEB FANS' CLUB (@EB_BadgebFC)I am hopeful that the election of former Indian footballer and BJP leader, Kalyan Chaubey as the President of the All India Football Association will usher a new dawn in Indian Football. My best wishes to him and heartiest congratulations! pic.twitter.com/B2TuR8t6h5
โ Rajesh Kumar Prasad (@Rajesh_Kr_P)Congratulations President. Now Pl ensure state associations hold elections too. has not held one yet.
โ Elvis Gomes (@ielvisgomes)(With inputs from PTI)ย