new Delhi: Former Olympian Badru Banerjee has requested the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday at the AIFF House to have a pension system in place for the internationals who have performed with distinction.
Seven players from the 1956 Olympic squad were felicitated by the Sports Ministry on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, five players – Badru Banerjee, Nikhil Nandy, Syed Abdus Salam, Ahmed Hussein and Mohammed Zulfiqaruddin visisted the Indian FA’s office in the capital.
Speaking to Goal.com on Wednesday morning, Badru Banerjee said, "Yesterday, we were invited by the AIFF. We had a few discussions on various matters. One of our major proposals was that those players who are helpless and aren’t economically stable must be supported."
Banerjee, who was the skipper of the glorious era of 1956, stated that the AIFF must take a lesson from the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI).
"BCCI has a good policy to take care of the ex-players. They get a handsome pension. Now the AIFF gets a lot of money, some of it can be spent on this. You have to recognize the achievers from the past."
He heaped praise on AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco for taking a note of their proposals and agreeing to consider it in their next Executive Committee Meeting.
"I thank Mr.Colaco for honouring us. He told us that he will speak to the members of AIFF and help the ex-players who are helpless and poor."
Mr.Colaco confirmed the same and said," During the visit they (former Olympians) put forward various suggestions. One of them was to give a stipend to former players who had performed with distinction in tournaments like the Olympics or Asian Games. I informed them that I would place their request before the Executive Committee or the Finance Committee with a favourable recommendation."
AIFF created a fund of Rs.1 crore to help the players and their families to get over the troubled times.
"Last year we created a players benevolent fund of Rs. 1 crore. We have been helping players/players families whenever they are in difficulties and approach," added Mr.Colaco.
This is certainly a generous step by the Indian FA and deserves all the Kudos.
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