Commencing on January 2, 2024, the four-day All India Referee Training Course, jointly organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Himachal Pradesh Football Association in collaboration with Mandi District Football Association, kicked off at Vallabh Government Degree College, Mandi. This marks the seventh edition of the course initiated by the Himachal Pradesh Football Association, held under the aegis of the AIFF.

Twenty-eight participants, including five women and twenty-three men, from various regions of the state are actively engaged in the program, and 5 participants are undergoing examinations for referee category upgrades.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed esteemed personalities such as Prof. Srimati Surina Sharma, Principal of Vallabh Government Degree College, as the chief guest, along with Mr. Leela Vilas, President of the Mandi District Football Association, Dr. Sunil Sen, DPE Vallabh College Mandi, and Mr. Parveen Sharma, Treasurer of the Mandi District Football Association.

Mr. Sunil Sharma (Bittu Ji), President of the Himachal Pradesh Football Association, conveyed blessings and best wishes, assuring participants that concerted efforts from the Himachal Pradesh Football Association and the state government will be made to elevate the standard of football in the region.

On this significant occasion, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Football Association, Mr. Narendra Saini, Former Chairman of the AIFF Referee Board, Kamal Kishor, Member of the Mandi District Football Association, Mr. Deepak Sharma, AIFF Match Commissioner, Mr. Kashmir Singh, Senior Referee, and Mr. Virender Kumar, Senior Referee, extended heartfelt wishes to all participants.

Mr. Deepak Sharma, Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Football Association, reiterated the commitment to regularly conduct such courses in the state, aiming to provide employment opportunities and deter youth from substance abuse.