Apart from the NFL players the IFAF is also pumping in money to get the desired result,” Movva said
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Hyderabad: The American Football Federation of India (AFFI), an associate member of the International Federation for American Football (IFAF), is organising the National Flag Football championships in three categories — under-15, under-19 and senior men — in Hyderabad in December.
The AFFI will first organise a state level American Football (tackle football) tournament in 18 states — in 400 schools and 65 universities — with the winners going on to participate in the national championships.
The top players from the senior men’s championship will represent India at the Asian meet planned for January either in Japan or Hyderabad. Venkatesh Movva, chairman of the AFFI development committee in India, said: “This is the first time we are organising this tournament at the national level. We have already introduced this game in various schools and colleges and are looking to widen our reach as much as possible. We are looking to pick the best possible players to represent India at the Asian meet and also train them hard to compete at the international level.
“American Football is looking to secure a berth in the Olympic Games. Once that happens, we will hopefully be able to attract more players from across the country,” Movva added. He added: “The state government is very keen to help our cause. We have already introduced the game in various schools and colleges across the city. Our coaches are making sure they are guided in the right possible manner.
According to AFFI, the sport is getting plenty of funding. “We have tied up with quite a few former National Football League players, who are willing to popularise the sport in India. Apart from the NFL players the IFAF is also pumping in money to get the desired result,” Movva said.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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