- 48th Annual General Meeting charts ambitious roadmap to strengthen football, futsal and beach soccer across the state
- More than 7,300 active players and 4,483 tournament participants reflect growing football ecosystem in Gujarat
- State players and officials earn national and international recognition, highlighting GSFA’s development-driven approach
- Parimal Nathwani calls for stronger CSR support to accelerate infrastructure creation and talent nurturing
- Over 30 tournaments conducted during 2025-26 as association deepens its grassroots and competitive footprint
NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 4
The Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA) has outlined an ambitious roadmap to accelerate the growth of football, futsal and beach soccer in the state, with a renewed focus on infrastructure, grassroots development and nurturing players capable of excelling at national and international levels.
The vision was reaffirmed at the 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GSFA held in Ahmedabad under the chairmanship of GSFA President and Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani.
Addressing the gathering, Nathwani highlighted the steady rise of football in Gujarat and the association’s commitment to creating greater opportunities for emerging talent. The AGM reflected a collective resolve to further enrich the football ecosystem and position Gujarat as a stronger force in Indian football.
According to the GSFA Annual Report for 2025-26, Gujarat currently has 18,334 registered footballers under the AIFF Central Registration System (CRS), including 7,363 active players, of whom 4,483 participated in various tournaments during the year.
The report showcased several notable achievements by Gujarat players on the national and international stage. Shubhangi Singh captained the Indian team in the AFC U-20 competition and guided the side to success in the qualifying round, while Khushbu Saroj secured places in both the Indian U-17 and U-20 teams.
In futsal, Gujarat’s growing influence was equally evident. Khushbu Saroj, Tanvi Mavani and Radhika Patel represented the Indian Women’s Futsal Team at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship. Among the men’s contingent, Vishal Dubey and Aman Shah earned selection to the Indian National Futsal Team and represented the country at the AFC Futsal Championship in Kuwait.
Expressing satisfaction over the association’s progress, Nathwani noted that Gujarat’s football and futsal officials are also making their mark internationally. Shakti Singh Chauhan successfully completed the FIFA Coach Education Diploma Course, while Vishal Vaja and Rachana Kamani were selected as FIFA Futsal Officials.
Highlighting the association’s extensive competition calendar, Nathwani said, “During 2025-26, the GSFA organized more than 30 different tournaments, including Inter-District, Club-level, AIFF Asmita tournaments, and the Tribal Games.”
Apart from AIFF competitions, the association organised the Tribal Games, nearly ten Inter-District tournaments and a similar number of Club tournaments, significantly expanding competitive opportunities across the state.
Looking ahead, Nathwani reiterated the association’s determination to further strengthen Beach Soccer and Futsal in Gujarat. He emphasised the need to attract greater Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from companies and institutions to fast-track the development of football infrastructure and player-support systems.
GSFA Honorary General Secretary Murlrajsinh Chudasama presented the annual activity report, the football calendar for the new season and the audited accounts before the members.
The AGM was attended by Vice Presidents Pradipsinh Vaghela and Arunsinh Rajput, Honorary General Secretary Murlrajsinh Chudasama, Honorary Treasurer Ankit Patel and representatives of district football associations affiliated with the GSFA.
Members also deliberated on constitutional amendments for district associations, the conduct of Inter-District tournaments, and future plans relating to futsal, beach soccer and the Asmita League.
