Praneel Dayal, president of Ba Football, has openly evaluated the club’s performance during the 2025 season, which he admits did not meet the high standards that the club, renowned for its distinguished history, is known for. Traditionally, Ba’s success has been gauged by championships rather than close calls or second places. “To be honest, when looking at the trophy cabinet, this season was not successful,” Dayal remarked, reinforcing the club’s dedication to excellence.
Since assuming office in June 2025, Dayal has taken significant steps to revitalize the Ba Football Association, aiming to carve out a sustainable pathway back to success. His vision goes beyond simply maintaining current standards; he is committed to a complete restructuring of the association, spanning from grassroots efforts to the Premier team. “We are laying the groundwork now so that the trophies start coming back to where they belong,” Dayal stated confidently.
Amidst on-field challenges, one of Dayal’s notable achievements has been rebuilding trust and engagement within the Ba community. He reported a resurgence of support from fans, which he considers a critical victory in his tenure. A key highlight of the season was hosting the Inter-District Championship at Govind Park, coinciding with Ba Football’s 90th anniversary. While the trophy did not remain with Ba, Dayal characterized the event as an emotional win for the local community.
Looking ahead, Dayal aims to convert this revived support into tangible results, allowing the team to secure the trophies that both players and fans eagerly await. A crucial component of the club’s revitalization plan is modernizing its football structure, which includes the appointment of Roderick Singh as Director of Football to oversee initiatives across various levels of the sport in the district.
Dayal also acknowledges the importance of linking Ba’s rich football legacy with modern efforts. He is actively inviting former players and legends to engage in current initiatives, ensuring their invaluable insights contribute to the team’s development. “This is the people’s team, and our legends are a vital part of the setup,” he affirmed, highlighting the mentorship role experienced players will play for upcoming talent.
Encouraging fans to continue their support, Dayal emphasized his dedication to Ba Football, stating, “I am in the office every day because I will continue to strive for Ba Football and nothing else.” He empathizes with fans regarding the team’s challenges and is resolute in his objective to restore Ba’s trophy cabinet, embodying the club’s spirit captured by the slogan #StrongerTogether. The commitment shown by Dayal and the association signals a hopeful outlook for Ba Football, as they diligently pursue the restoration of their legacy in the sport.