In a groundbreaking move for Indian football, Amuzi Sports launched the inaugural Asian Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. This facility was created through a partnership with AFA Internacional, the official development programme endorsed by the Argentine Football Association, and is grounded in Argentina’s football philosophy, principles, and traditions.

Based in Kolkata, Amuzi Sports, a phygital sports ecosystem, spearheaded this international football development programme in India and will oversee its nationwide expansion.

The program aims to create schools and academies through local partner clubs, offering structured training to players of all age groups guided by coaches certified by AFA Internacional, based on the Argentine National Team’s approach.

The programme offers intensive training, immersive football experiences with sports and cultural activities, tournaments for ages U-10 through U-20, and professional development opportunities. Official sessions and partner club evaluations will also give promising young players chances to be selected for Argentina training and exposure.

AFA Internacional sent a delegation to Kolkata for the launch, featuring its Commercial & Strategic Alliances Director, Methodology Coordinator, and Local Methodology Lead.

A major feature of the event was an exclusive fireside chat led by eminent sports journalist Goutam Bhattacharya with AFA Internacional delegation member. An engaging dialogue provided key perspectives on the initiative’s aims in India, examining how Argentina’s renowned football style has expanded globally via AFA Internacional, and how Amuzi Sports plans to establish a lasting development framework in the country through this partnership.

The meeting discussed the new Centre of Excellence, football academy development, partner-club networks, professional coaching, knowledge transfer, international training programmes, talent identification, and opportunities for promising Indian footballers to experience Argentina’s football ecosystem. It also emphasized how Argentine football, celebrated globally for its unique identity, accomplishments, and iconic players, has continued to spread its philosophy and methods internationally via AFA Internacional.

The occasion was graced by Mr. Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Maniktala, Ms. Locket Chatterjee, State General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Mr. Chandan Roy Chowdhury.

The announcement was made by Mr. Mithun Chakraborty.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities from Indian football, including former Indian captains and football stalwarts Pradip Chowdhury, Shyam Thapa, Jamshed Nassiri, Alvito d’Cunha, Mehtab Hussain, Amit Bhadra, Atanu Bhattacharya, Mihir Bose and Crompton Dutta, and others.

The event signals a fresh era in global football partnership, uniting Argentine techniques with the ambitions of young Indian athletes.

Priyanka Dutta