Football is the most popular sport in the world sporting scene and has a large following all over the universe. Mysuru has been a centre which has been producing talented footballers, coaches and referees from time to time who have gone on to play, officiate and coach different teams in different levels. One such talented footballer turned coach is Mysuru lad D.V. Praveen Raju.

Praveen is the only Mysurean to pass the  All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Football Coaching ‘C’ Licence  Exam in KSFA Stadium, Bengaluru, in November 2018, for which the results were declared on Feb.20, 2019. Praveen Raju is one of the eight coaches who passed the examination. He is our ‘Star This Week.’

Praveen Raju is presently running Vijayanagar Football Academy, Mysuru, as coach and he has played Super Division League of Karnataka from 2010 to 2012 and represented Mysuru district in many State-level Tournaments.

Praveen Raju has done his Diploma and Engineering in Electronics and Communication and worked in IT Field. But his passion for football as changed his life and now, his profession and passion are same.

A total of 24 coaches took the exams for the AFC ‘C’ Licensed coaches programme, which included many aspiring coaches and ISL players but only eight players got through the exams.

Now, Praveen Raju will be getting the certificate as “Asian Football Confederation ‘C’ Licensed Coach.”

The AFC ‘C’ Coaching Certificate Course aims at training coaches and developing their basic techniques and skills in football. It is designed to teach the coaches to organise, direct and conduct basic coaching practices targeting especially young players. The course lasts 13 days and requires a minimum of 85 hours of study time for both the practical and theoretical sessions. In the final examination, students will be assessed on their practical coaching abilities, knowledge of the laws of the game, in addition to learning and understanding of the theory contents of football.

Praveen Raju has passed his All India Football Federation ‘D’ Licence Examination in August, 2018. He was recently selected for “Premier Skills” Workshop conducted by British Council and Premier League – England for coaches in Goa.

Praveen Raju intends to devote himself to coaching in football and try his best to develop Mysuru football and produce some good football players for the country. The Mysore District Football Association should utilise his services, as professional coaching is most necessary from the grass-root level.