Praful Patel Biography

Cooperage Football Ground has been one of the most historical stadiums of India located in Mumbai. It was opened since 1993 and has not been in a good position since 2007 till I-League was hosted. Under the supervision of All India Football Federation (AIFF), Cooperage Ground reopened in 2014 in the after as the renovation work of the stadium was completed. The initiative was actually created by FIFA who had announced to donate Western India Football Association (WIFA) two million dollar in order to refurbish this particular stadium. In the year 2011, Bombay High Court released the right to renovate the Cooperage Ground. 

Recently the stadium was re-inaugurated as it was graced by Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, President Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The show was also graced by IMG – Reliance Chairperson Mrs. Nita Ambani and AIFF President Praful Patel. Besides, there were also top international personalities, delegates and dignitaries from the football world who earnestly extended their support for the development of sports in the country. Nita Ambani was too excited on this great event and she shared some of her happy memories related to the ground.

Under Praful Patel contributions, All India Football Federation (AIFF) has surely reshaped its approach in redefining the mode of operation for the betterment of the sports in the country. FIFA and AFC together have contributed immensely to the rebirth of the sports in the country. Patel stressed and said that it is the rebirth because India is already a great footballing nation and it has had glorious history in the 50s and 60s. Praful Patel is presently focussing to take India to an international stature and also improve its FIFA rankings. Not only so, he also emphasised in training the players in the best possible manner who would be participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled in 2017.