Will MP's Tribal-Dominated Shahdol Footballers Train in Brazil?
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Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh is set to send promising footballers from Shahdol to Brazil for specialized training. This initiative, backed by Prime Minister Modi's encouragement, aims to uplift tribal talents and inspire sports development in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh government is sending Shahdol footballers to Brazil.
- Initiative aims to uplift tribal youth through sports.
- Agreement pending with Brazilian football club.
- Prime Minister Modi's initiative fosters global coaching connections.
- 'Football Kranti' has transformed the local sports scene.
Bhopal, Sep 2 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative for the advancement of sports in Madhya Pradesh, the state government has announced plans to send talented football players from the tribal-heavy district of Shahdol to Brazil for expert training.
The inaugural group of football players is expected to depart shortly, pending the finalization of an agreement between the Central Government and a Brazilian football club, as stated by Madhya Pradesh Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayavargiya on Tuesday.
This decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
During a press briefing, Vijayavargiya explained, “The Centre will establish a partnership with a Brazilian football club, and once the necessary procedures are completed, we will dispatch the first group of players for training.”
This announcement comes just two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman during his national program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, which captured the interest of a German football coach, leading to an offer to train the young talents from Shahdol.
The Prime Minister shared that a podcaster had created an invaluable opportunity for the aspiring footballers in Shahdol to be coached by the esteemed German football coach, Dietmar Beiersdorfer.
In his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi noted that the German coach was greatly inspired by the stories and journeys of the young players from Shahdol.
He explored the situation and subsequently reached out to the German Embassy in India with a proposal to coach these football talents in Shahdol.
Moreover, the Prime Minister mentioned that some players would soon travel to Germany for training under the German coach.
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet expressed its gratitude to PM Modi for this opportunity extended to the upcoming football stars of Shahdol district.
“This is a truly significant milestone, not just for Shahdol but for the entire sports landscape of Madhya Pradesh. This will motivate players throughout the state to elevate their performance,” Vijayavargiya remarked.
Bicharpur village in Shahdol district, which was once infamous for youth drug addiction, has now become a “Mini Brazil,” producing footballers of national acclaim, largely due to Raees Ahmed, a former player and coach.
He rallied local tribal youth, many of whom were previously caught in substance abuse, and trained them as footballers under an initiative known as ‘Football Kranti’.
This program has successfully developed 40 national and state-level players and has inspired the establishment of approximately 1,500 football clubs across the villages of the Shahdol district.
Point of View
This initiative showcases the commitment of Madhya Pradesh to foster sports development, especially among tribal communities. It presents a unique opportunity to leverage global coaching expertise, enhancing the skills of local players and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shahdol being targeted for football training?
Shahdol is home to a wealth of football talent, especially among its tribal youth, and this initiative aims to harness that potential through specialized training.
What is the significance of this training in Brazil?
Training in Brazil, known for its rich football culture, will provide unique exposure and advanced techniques to young players, enhancing their skills.
How did the collaboration with a Brazilian football club come about?
The collaboration arose following a discussion in Prime Minister Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat,' which attracted interest from a German coach, leading to this unique opportunity.
What impact has 'Football Kranti' had in Shahdol?
'Football Kranti' has significantly transformed the local community, guiding youth away from addiction and helping in the formation of numerous football clubs.
Who is Raees Ahmed and what role did he play?
Raees Ahmed is a former player and coach who initiated 'Football Kranti,' successfully training local youth and steering them toward a promising future in football.
