Pune 18th June, 2024: City-based Vinay Nagesh Kondamuri did Poona District Football Association (PDFA) proud by becoming the third national level referee in the city.

The exam was conducted by the apex body in India - All India Football Association (AIFF).

He now joins city mates Kishor Choudhary (Referee), who was the first from the city and later Nikhil Nair (Assistant Referee) who passed his in 2023.

Vinay was one of four candidates from Western India Football Association (WIFA), the state body, nominated for the exam. All candidates gained success in getting promoted to Level 5.

As a result Vinay has earned the India badge with this promotion (basically will wear the AIFF badge on his referee jersey).

He is the only PDFA candidate to attain success from this batch of candidates.

The exam included a total of four examinations (Fitness, Theory, Practical, and Viva.

This year, Vinay also represented Maharashtra at the Santosh Trophy, stated a press release.