Live India, Love Football

I’ve heard many great people say that every step taken in the direction of your heart, opens up a whole world beyond what our eyes can see.   For so many of us, there have been times when there is something our heart is screaming for however we just don’t move, we don’t take those steps.   It was back in 2006 that my heart was screaming for me to do something meaningful in India, but I didn’t even take a single step. Not until 2007 when I booked my first flight to the country with no intention, but just to explore. And now 8 years later, I’m living in India, serving as Director of the country’s leading football consultancy and part of an incredible community of people. It just takes that first step. Now I’ve embarked on another journey, by taking the first step.   For the past   year or so, my heart has been screaming that I should be more involved in the social responsibility side of football.   Not that I want to get away from what I’m doing at Libero Sports, I’m just looking t

While I was in London, I stopped over to visit Tim Vine at the Premier League Office. I don’t know what it is but there is always something special every time I step into the corporate home of the biggest league in the world.   On the same day, I took a trip up North and visited The Hive, London’s largest football training infrastructure and home to League 2 club Barnet FC. Sukkhi and I spent the afternoon with our old friend from Panasonic India, Kunal Dua who is now based in London and serving as Business Development head for the complex and club.   I must say that I was really impressed with the infrastructure and overall feeling of the venue. 8 UEFA certified 4G pitches, a nice clubhouse and a total community vibe to the whole place.

Last week, I travelled to Manchester, UK to attend my 3 rd consecutive Soccerex Global Convention.   As always, it was a packed 3 days full of shotgun conversations, panel discussions and booze.   I must say that for the second straight year, the Indian delegation stood out as some of the most sought after people at the event given the popularity and excitement generated by the first season of the Indian Super League.   Here are the highlights of the trip from my end: A successful panel discussion entitled, “India: The Time Is Now” led by Libero Sports Managing Director Sukhvinder Singh. The room was packed full of people from all over the world interested in learning more about the Indian football industry Spending quality time at an unforgettable Brazilian Barbeque dinner with some of my favorite people in the industry including Tim Vine (Premier League), German Arguelles (eSoccer), Jurgen Griesback (Street Football World), Rahul Patil (NorthEast United FC), Ashish

The other day I attended the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) annual sports conference called “Scorecard.” It took place at Le Meridian in Delhi, a massive 5 star hotel near India Gate which I can’t quite tell if I like or not. Actually everything about it is perfect to host or attend a conference, which is kind of why it somewhat repels me.   Hard to explain, but anyone reading this would know what I’m talking about if they ever visit this place.   Our Managing Director, Sukhvinder Singh, sits on the CII Sports Committee and hence Libero Sports takes on an active role with organizing this event. Within and even slightly outside of the scope of our role, we make best efforts to shape and build the profile of the football component of the conference.   Thankfully, CII trusts our recommendation and each year, creates a specific panel to discuss the beautiful game, something which is offered for no other sport including cricket.   This year’s football session was entitle