English
Hyderabad, Aug 22: The American Football Federation of India (AFFI) has set up American Football Academy in Hyderabad as part of its efforts to promote the sport in India. AFFI Development Committee chairman Venkatesh Movva said similar academies would be set up in multiple cities.
AFFI already has a club set up in Hyderabad where the game is currently practiced and played. Venkatesh expects great future for American Football in India. “We are taking the sport to the schools and universities level and encouraging youngsters to take up the sport, promising great careers,” he told reporters here on Saturday.
The AFFI plans to conduct National Flag football championships in under-15, under-19 and full tackle championships in senior categories. Regular tackle and flag football events will be conducted across various cities in India starting next month. The first ever Indian national team will be selected from the domestic national championships to represent at Asian and International competitions.
AFFI is an associate member of the International Federation for American Football (IFAF), which is the development partner of hugely popular National Football League (NFL) in the United States. AFFI is also a member of the IFAF-Asia, which is the regional body. Currently, American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Presently played across 71 nations, the sport is recognized by IOC and likely to get official entry into the Olympics soon.