AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Christmas was made merrier for All India Football Federation Competitions Manager Sanjay Kumar who successfully passed the AFC Match Commissioner’s test, a statement from Asia’s apex football body confirmed on Monday (December 22, 2014).

Along with existing match commissioners Mr. Prince Rufus and Mr. Ravishankar Jayaraman, who also appeared for the test in this year’s AFC Match Commissioner (MC) Seminar 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kumar – appearing for the first time as a new inductee – made the cut.

Around 72 MCs appeared for the test held in Kuala Lumpur this earlier this month.

“It’s indeed a proud moment in my footballing career,” an elated Kumar told www.the-aiff.com.

“I worked as LGC (Local General Coordinator) and LMO (Local Media Officer) in the past for AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. I would like to sincerely thank AFC for selecting and inviting me for the AFC Match Commissioners Seminar and at the same time would like to thank our General Secretary, Mr. Kushal Das for his approval and support.

“Match Commissioner role in the context of organizing high level matches stays pivotal and it’s an added responsibility for each one of us to make sure that the match is conducted smoothly without any hazards. It only motivates me to work hard and deliver the best in each assignment.”

Kumar is now part of the elite list of match commissioners for the AFC panel for 2015 & 16.

“It’s really good on AFC’s part to put us (existing match commissioners) through the grind,” maintained Ravishankar.

“We have to be on our toes, abreast about every regulation and avoid being left to the ignominy of dropping out. It was an excellent experience and one that reminds you all the time of your responsibility as an MC,” he added.  

Prince Rufus added that he is “elated and pleased” at the development but at the same time felt “it is a big responsibility officiating AFC matches. I am very much looking forward to serving AFC in near future.” 

Picture courtesy: AFC