Continous growth and development for Futsal in Asia

AFC – TEHRAN, Ahmad Esmaeilpour, Iran’s futsal striker amazed everyone in the recent FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, with his spectacular performance and winning the Bronze Ball award, showcasing the strength in Asian futsal.

The Islamic Republic of Iran earned their spot at the world stage by being the champions of the 2016 AFC Futsal Championship tournament for the 11th time. And claiming a historic third in the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has offered his congratulations, “IR Iran are now a dominant force in world futsal and their success in the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 is a testament to the culmination of years of hard work and commitment of everyone at the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Esmaeilpour commented, “The Asian teams competing this year has definitely grown and improved a lot, and there is no doubt that they will achieve better results in the future. I only wish to see more futsal progress in Asia in terms of investments, development of pro leagues, and the increase in broadcasting of the sport for awareness.”

“Futsal in Iran has been constantly expanding the past few years, where we see fresh and talented players debut over the years, and thanks to the AFC Futsal Development Programme under the direction of Mr Ali Targholizadeh has created a lot of impact and futsal development in Asia,” he said.

Ali Targholizadeh, Head of the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Department added, “Thailand and Vietnam qualifying for the knockout stages is proof that these countries have grown by a huge margin over the years, and their success are the result of the ongoing development in those countries,” said Targholizadeh. “Currently we have pilot projects in Japan and Iran to initiate club licensing for futsal. AFC will assist in establishing infrastructure and facilities, which will be rolled out across Asia soon.”

The AFC Futsal Development team also conducts seminars with futsal instructors, courses for coaches, and variety of workshops and assisting Member Associations throughout Asia to develop this fast-paced sport.

Esmaeilpour’s next aim is to focus on working hard, maintaining his performance to play in the finals and be the champion in the next World Cup.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far, especially my family and fans, with their wishes I hope everyone is happy and proud. And many thanks to AFC for giving me this opportunity to play,” Esmaeilpour said.

Photos: FIFA/Getty Images