For a teacher, seeing their students shine is the ultimate reward, and for Ranjan Chowdhury, it couldn’t be more fulfilling. Currently the Youth Development Director at Gokulam Kerala FC, Chowdhury has been a guiding force for both AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and the newly appointed Director of the Indian Football Team, Subrata Paul.

Expressing his pride, Chowdhury shared, “I am very proud. Subrata’s contributions to Indian football are finally being recognised, and it brings me immense joy. Now that he’s the Director of Indian Football, I couldn’t be happier. He is undoubtedly capable of this role and is well-prepared to shoulder this responsibility.”

A revolutionary figure in Indian football, Chowdhury has nurtured some of the finest talent the country has seen. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Over the years, I have groomed many great footballers who have represented India as captains. Some have become ISL coaches, and four have even received the Arjuna Award. I’ve made countless sacrifices for football, and seeing this success makes it all worthwhile.”

When asked if he ever foresaw such authoritative roles for Subrata and Kalyan, Chowdhury reminisced, “At the Tata Football Academy, I had full authority and unwavering support. I first saw Kalyan when he was just 12—spirited and determined. Subrata, on the other hand, was relentless; he hated losing. Whenever he did, he would practice day and night to improve. Watching them today assures me they will leave a lasting mark on Indian football.”

From nurturing young talent to shaping leaders, Ranjan Chowdhury’s legacy is intricately woven into the fabric of Indian football’s growth and success.