Praful Patel Biography

The All India Football Federation has taken several important measures for the development of the sport in the country. Over the years, the I-league has derived attention as one of the premier sporting events in the country and now has new entrants in the system. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation, minister Praful Patel has taken the I- League forward and where it belongs today. In the year 2016, the average attendance at the stadiums for the I- League has also enhanced.

The average stadium attendance for I-League 2015-16 has witnessed a sharp rise compared to the previous season, belying fears that the ISL would undermine the importance of All India Football Federation's flagship tournament.The figures are positive as the conclusion of the current season is still a long way to go. It has already recorded an average attendance of 8296 while the entire last season's average attendance was 5909.

The matches featuring defending champion Mohun Bagan in Kolkata saw an average in-stadia turnout of 22370 till the ninth week of the league, a rise of over 5000 from the entire 2014-15 season. Their arch-rivals East Bengal has already witnessed an average attendance of 10,284 to the 13,142 the last time around. The Goan teams - Dempo FC, Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa - have also improved vastly in terms of attendance, though concerns had been raised about the absence of enough heads dotting the stands this season.

In the northeast, Shillong Lajong FC have fared better than last season, while league debutant Aizawl FC (6317), on expected lines, are headed in the right direction considering the popularity they enjoy in the region. Under the Praful Patel biography, Indian football has progressed considerably and the statistics prove the rise in attendance at the stadiums.