As one of ADAF’s well-known donors, he spoke to the-AFC.com and made an impassioned appeal for more individuals and organisations to contribute to the Foundation’s mission.

 

“Everybody who has the ability to contribute — in a small way or a big way — should do so. It’s drop by drop that you form a big ocean,” he emphasised. “Every dollar, riyal, dirham, or yen can make a difference. Asia is the largest continent, and many of its countries need our support. Every single contribution adds up to the well-being of society.”

Mr. Patel also shared insights on his lifelong commitment to social causes and his belief in football’s power to unite and inspire.

 

“From my childhood, social responsibility has been very important to me,” said Mr. Patel. “For many years, my family and I have been involved with several social causes. In my hometown in Gondia, India, we run a large educational trust that supports about 150,000 underprivileged students with affordable or free education.”

 

Beyond education, Mr. Patel’s philanthropic work extends to healthcare and grassroots sports initiatives, especially in rural India.

 

“In villages, there aren’t many opportunities for children to play, so we used to organise local sports competitions to give them a chance,” he added. “Sport helps shape better individuals and gives children hope, motivation, and confidence.”

 

Reflecting on his new role within the Foundation, Mr. Patel expressed his gratitude to AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa for entrusting him with the opportunity to contribute.

“I thank the AFC President for his leadership and the trust he has reposed in me to be a part of the AFC Dream Asia Foundation,” he said.

 

Mr. Patel believes that football, as the world’s most accessible sport, is uniquely placed to bring people together beyond divisions of language, nationality, and religion.

 

“Nothing unites people better than a sport because it transcends language, countries, and social barriers. On a football field, we are all equals,” he said. “Football requires nothing more than a ball and an open space. Even in the smallest villages, children improvise goalposts with two stones and play joyfully — that small gesture brings so much joy to millions.”

He highlighted that football’s social influence extends far beyond the pitch — promoting peace, health education, and inclusion.

 

“When children play together, they learn team spirit and harmony. It promotes peace and good health. It also encourages education — even families that once ignored schooling begin to see its value when they see other children studying and playing,” he explained.

 

“In a world where we hear daily of wars and unrest, football offers a ray of hope. It embodies the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends everything else.”

 

Concluding with optimism, Mr. Patel reiterated the potential of collective support to expand ADAF’s impact.

 

“With more people supporting this cause, the AFC Dream Asia Foundation will continue to make a meaningful difference across Asia and beyond,” he said.