In a move that signifies the deep respect and admiration for one of Indian footballโs greatest icons, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially declared the PK Banerjeeโs birthday as โAIFF Grassroots Dayโ on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Pradip Kumar Banerjee, commonly known as PK Banerjee, born on June 23, 1936, was a legendary Indian footballer and coach. He led Indian team in 1960 Rome Olympics. His extraordinary skills, passion for the game, and tireless efforts in promoting football in India have left an indelible mark on the nationโs sporting history. He also enjoyed a stellar career as a player before taking up coaching, where he also tasted plenty of success. The AIFFโs decision to commemorate PK Banerjeeโs birthday as Grassroots Day serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy.

Explaining the reason behind choosing PK Banerjeeโs birthday, AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran said, โHowever, we often forget Pradip da was a teacher par excellence too. Once he hung up his boots, he took up coaching and for the next 30 years, produced an array of players, who excelled at the National and International levels. While his role as a National and a club coach is much discussed, the Indian football fraternity cannot forget PK daโs contribution at the grassroots level, his leadership at the Tata Football Academy, his ability to inspire and fine-tune the budding talents whenever with the junior National teams.โ
Grassroots Day forms to keep in line with the Strategic Roadmap โVision 2047โ. It seeks to increase grassroots participation in the country. It involves the development of young players at the grassroots level. This will provide them opportunities to learn and grow in a supportive and nurturing environment. By dedicating a specific day to grassroots football, the AIFF aims to engage 35 million children in football by 2026 and up to 100 million by 2047. The Federation has announced the Blue Cubs programme. This will collaborate with NGOs, schools, clubs, academies as well as various other stakeholders to expand the grassroots ecosystem.
Also Read: AIFF: Women footballers in India will now get a minimum salary of INR 3.2 lakh, per annum.
The decision to choose PK Banerjeeโs birthday as AIFF Grassroots Day holds special significance. PK Banerjee himself had a humble beginning in football, hailing from a small village in West Bengal. He is widely regarded as one of Indiaโs greatest footballers. PK was Indiaโs highest goalscorer with four goals en route to Gold Medal in 1962 Asian Games. In a glittering international career, Banerjee played two Olympics (1956, 1960) and three Asian Games (1958, 1962, 1966). He was the first footballer to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award in the year of its inception, 1961. He also received Padma Shriย in 1990.