Shaji Prabhakaran set to launch new book titled 'Back to the Roots'

FIFA’s Regional Development Officer for South & Central Asia leans on his vast experience in the region’s football business.

Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA’s Regional Development Officer for South and Central Asia has authored a book. The book titled ‘Back To The Roots’ focuses on the developmental aspects of football. The book is a definitive guide to grassroots and football development in a global context. The book published by Roli books will be officially launched on Monday, 7th November at the Le Meridian in New Delhi. The book launch is co-presented and supported by Khel Now. The book draws on Prabhakaran’s vast experience in the region’s with various aspects of football and particularly, his involvement with the football development work in different parts of Asia. Before taking up his current position with the world football apex body Prabhakaran has served in several capacities in football development, including as Founder of the Football Khelo Foundation as well as Founder & MD of Futfire Sports India Pvt. Ltd. A former Research Scholar at the Lakshmibai National institute of Physical Education he also holds UEFA and AFC coaching badges. The former football consultant and analyst has also been with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as Director Vision & National Youth Teams for five years between 2004-2009. It is the learning drawn out of this plethora of experience that should make the book a fascinating read. The book launch will be graced by prominent Indian footballers and dignitaries including AIFF President Praful Patel, IM Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia, Jo Paul Ancheri, Bruno Coutinho, Harjinder Singh, Sukhvinder Singh, Viren Rasquiona and Deepak Mandal. The launch will be followed by a panel discussion on ‘Football Development Indicatives in India and its Impact.’ The discussion will feature thoughts by prominent personalities from Indian football and other sports on the subject. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Speaking about his upcoming book Prabhakaran said, “It was an extremely enriching and enjoyable experience to put the book together. The book will provide insights into various aspects of football development. The aim is to develop a better understanding of the grassroots development of the sport and the processes therein.”