Shahdol (M.P.), Nov 24 (NationPress) German football icon and ex-coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer expressed admiration for Shahdol's Vicharpur village, dubbing it "mini Brazil". He described the village's enthusiasm for the sport as extraordinary and highlighted its young players as embodiments of India's burgeoning potential in football.

“The passion, energy, and joy displayed by the children playing football here are truly commendable. They possess the potential to steer the country’s future in sports,” Beiersdorfer remarked, noting that the village’s football culture rivals that of any major footballing nation.

Upon arriving in Shahdol on Sunday evening, Beiersdorfer fulfilled a promise made to the young players of Vicharpur during their training in Germany last month: to visit their homes, engage with their families, and witness firsthand how their culture influences them.

“We are now interlinked,” said Beiersdorfer. “The exchange of experiences and techniques will persist. Our aim is to ensure that all the knowledge these players gained in Germany reaches the broader community here.”

He interacted with the families of young athletes Virendra Baiga, Laxmi Sahis, and Saniya Kunde at their homes, expressing how their commitment, kindness, and simplicity left a profound impact on him.

“Many players from this village stayed with me in Germany during training sessions and excelled. Their calm demeanor, warmth, and affection towards another nation left a lasting impression,” he noted.

The coach commended the distinct identity the village has developed over the years. “The nickname ‘mini Brazil’ is special,” he remarked. “The enthusiasm and talent among Vicharpur’s footballers indicate a promising future for the sport in India.”

In comments to journalists, Beiersdorfer stated it was “a source of pride that gifted players from a small village were gaining recognition both in India and internationally.”

This visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of Vicharpur in his "Mann Ki Baat" program, where he praised the village's dedication to football and acknowledged local coach Rais Ahmed. Following the Prime Minister’s remarks, the German team FC Ingolstadt-04 invited young coaches and players from Vicharpur for advanced training in October.

During his discussions with local players and residents, Beiersdorfer reflected on his own journey. “I began playing football at 14–15, and it was pure passion that led me to the German national team,” he encouraged the youth to stay disciplined and consistent. He characterized the talent in Vicharpur as “exceptional and in need of proper guidance.”

Beiersdorfer emphasized that this visit signifies more than just a gesture; it marks “the beginning of a relationship based on trust and collaboration” between India and Germany. “We have come to India to deeply understand its landscape, its real conditions, and the capabilities of its players. We are optimistic that the outcomes of this partnership will soon be visible on the field,” he stated, adding, “I refrain from making grand promises, but this journey has established a solid foundation.”

The German coach is set to travel to Bhopal next, where he is expected to meet with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, as informed by Shahdol division Assistant Director for Sports Rais Ahmed.

The visit concluded with Beiersdorfer reiterating his admiration for the area: “The enthusiasm for football in Vicharpur evokes memories of traditional football communities in Brazil and Europe — and that is its true strength.”