Dutta nominated as FIFA conditioning instructor

New Delhi: AIFF fitness coach, Pradip Dutta has become the first Indian to be nominated as a FIFA Conditioning Instructor.

Dutta's nomination came from the Asian Football Confederation.

"It's a huge honour for me. There is no end to upgrading yourself in any sphere of life. I feel I'm still a learner," Dutta told the Aiff website.

"It's a huge responsibility. I have to pass on my knowledge to other Indian coaches to keep the players fit, fresh and regenerated," he maintained.

Dutta, who has been associated with the senior Indian national team for long, has also been AFC's Elite Conditioning Instructor since 2006.

He is currently based at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education in Trivandrum for the last 17 years. Dutta, who hails from Barrackpore in West Bengal, also holds the experience of being the physical trainer for the Indian hockey team across all age-groups.