Led by Bhaichung Bhutia, each member of IFF’s management team is a passionate lover of football with a strong intent to contribute actively towards developing the game in the country. All well-qualified with strong educational backgrounds, they have left lucrative careers in the ‘mainstream’ to follow their heart and do what they are passionate about.
Bhaichung Bhutia – Founder & Managing Trustee
One of the most respected and influential personalities in Indian sports, Bhaichung Bhutia has been the torchbearer of Indian Football for the past two decades. Serving as the captain and the leader of Indian football for the longest period during his playing days, Bhaichung – since his retirement from international football in 2011 – has been actively involved in the development of the game at the grassroots level. With Indian Football Foundation – Bhaichung aims to create new inroads into talent and infrastructure development by creating an integrated platform for needy children.
Anurag Khilnani – Founding Trustee
In 2010, Anurag Khilnani left his job at Morgan Stanley to join hands with Bhaichung Bhutia and create what is today the largest group of football academies in India. Anurag was instrumental in sharing and developing the vision of BBFS with Bhaichung Bhutia, and subsequently making it one of the very few self-sustaining football development initiatives of scale in India.
In addition to setting up BBFS, Anurag co-authored Lakshya: The AIFF Master Plan for football development in India and with Robert Baan, Technical Director, AIFF. Anurag has also co-authored the AIFF Grassroots Manual and the AIFF Coaches ‘D’ License Instructors Manual along with Rob Baan and Scott O’Donnell (Technical Director of Coaching and Academies, AIFF).
Anurag holds B. Tech. and M. Tech. degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi.
Kishore Gam Taid – Founding Trustee
Kishore Taid is the third co-founder of IFF and BBFS along with Bhaichung Bhutia and Anurag Khilnani. Prior to starting BBFS in 2010, Kishore was working in UBS Investment Bank before his desire to bring about a positive change in Indian football brought him together with Bhaichung and Anurag to envision and give shape to BBFS.
Like his co-founders, Kishore shares a keen interest in making policy-level impact for development of the sport in India. Along with Rob Baan and Anurag Khilnani, Kishore co-authored Lakshya: The AIFF Master Plan, the AIFF Grassroots Manual and the AIFF Coaches ‘D’ License Instructors Manual.
Kishore is also currently a member of the ASSOCHAM Council for Development of Sports and Sports Infrastructure.
Kishore holds a B. Tech. degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi and a post graduate diploma in management from IIM Ahmedabad.
Ankit Arora
Associate Director
Ankit joined hands with Anurag and Kishore in early 2012 to fulfill his passion and achieve his long term ambition to develop the sport in India. Ankit helps drive the strategic operations that ensure alignment between field programs for BBFS and IFF and Indian Football Foundation’s overall fundraising strategy. Ankit also heads the team responsible for expanding IFF’s reach through strategic tie-ups with other NGOs, international sports foundations and government bodies. Prior to pursuing his passion full time, Ankit worked as a business analyst covering various corporate and professional services. Apart from strategic planning and execution, Ankit brings a creative edge to the team with his interest in photography and free hand sketching.
Ankit holds a B. Tech. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College.
Aparup Barua
Senior Manager, Programs
Aparup came to BBFS/IFF after 2 years of working as an operations associate. He has worked with several large sectors like Insurance and Retail before joining IFF in 2012. He understands the importance of operations and its challenges and that it comes with a lot of responsibilities. He is excited to lead his team towards the mission that is very close to his heart, watching India compete successfully at the International level. Aparup holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from Dibrugarh University.
Varun Achreja
Senior Manager, Communications
Varun is a sports management consultant who holds a B.Sc Economics degree from the London School of Economics followed by an M.Sc. degree in International Sports Management from England. His passion for the sport is clearly visible from his association with the various parts of the Indian football industry. He has previously worked with IOS, one of India's pioneer sports management organizations where after he founded Football Solutions a bespoke football management solutions company. He is currently involved at the grassroots level with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools as their business development advisor. Varun is highly committed to the Indian Football Foundation and will be using his experience, expertise and network for actively supporting and propagating our cause.
Melbin Thomas Jose
Manager-Technical Development, Content and Systems
With an aim to learn more about football training and leadership, Melbin joined the Technical Development team at IFF. He is excited to lead the team of coaches at IFF and build partnerships to ensure that every child who wants to be a footballer in India is not denied the opportunity.
In addition to Technical Development, Melbin takes care of multiple areas within IFF including content development and systems.
Melbin is a passionate footballer with an engineering degree from IIT Kanpur. He was awarded full scholarship to pursue the prestigious Young India Fellowship along with 96 other young leaders of from all over India. He has also been awarded the Mother Teresa Fellowship for working in the Sports for Development space.