A Source of Pride: 'Mini Brazil' Footballers Celebrate PM Modi's Recognition
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Synopsis
The Vicharpur village in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, celebrated its status as 'Mini Brazil' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised its rich football tradition. Local players, including Naresh Kumar Kunde and Aditya Kunde, share their passion and dreams for the sport, despite challenges in resources and equipment.
Key Takeaways
- Vicharpur village, known as 'Mini Brazil', has a rich football heritage.
- Prime Minister Modi recognized the village's football tradition.
- Local players express pride and passion for football.
- Challenges exist due to lack of sports equipment.
- Every family in the village has produced talented footballers.
Shahdol (Madhya Pradesh), March 18 (NationPress) The village of Vicharpur in Shahdol district, known affectionately as 'Mini Brazil', is once again in the limelight.
The recent commendation for its rich football culture came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a discussion with American podcaster Lex Fridman. The local players are ecstatic about receiving such high praise from the Prime Minister.
Naresh Kumar Kunde, a national football player, shared with IANS, “Football has been a part of our village's heritage for generations. It runs in the veins of everyone here, from the youngest to the oldest.”
Naresh recounted his football journey, starting at just seven years old, learning the game from his father and grandfather. Currently, he serves as a physical education teacher at a government school and dedicates his evenings to coaching local children in football.
State-level player Aditya Kunde expressed that he has been passionate about football since childhood, dedicating three to four hours daily to practice, with aspirations of representing the country.
National player Manish Singh God noted that Vicharpur is predominantly tribal and he is proud to be the third generation of footballers in his family.
“With a village population of around 700 to 750, nearly every household boasts national-level football players,” he stated.
However, Manish highlighted a significant challenge: due to a lack of adequate sports equipment, approximately 70-80 boys and girls from the village are unable to compete at the national level.
Coach Lakshmi, who has played football in the village since childhood and participated in nine national and three university-level competitions, expressed her joy about the village's fame as 'Mini Brazil' both nationally and globally.
Football is the heart and soul of this community, with nearly every family contributing athletes who reach state or national levels.
