FIFA, Centre team up to promote football in schools with 10 lakh ball distribution
The minister announced this on Sunday at the PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William in Kolkata, where he flagged off the distribution of FIFA footballs as part of the Football for Schools (F4S).
"Approximately 10 lakh footballs will be distributed to schools across the country, aiming to boost participation in football and nurture a strong sporting culture among students," Pradhan said.
The F4S programme, spearheaded by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), aims to promote football at the grassroots level by making the sport more accessible to students within the school system.
In India, the programme is implemented by the DoSEL, with support from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Under the F4S program, FIFA is contributing more than 9.6 lakh footballs for school students in India besides 129 other countries.
Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Centre's help also sought for Jalandhar's sports goods sector
Ludhiana: State industry minister Sanjeev Arora met Union MSME minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Monday and presented him a letter demanding urgent support for Punjab's sports goods sector. In a statement issued here, Arora said he apprised the Union minister about the sports goods sector, particularly centred in Jalandhar, stating that it holds immense export potential but faces critical infrastructural and policy challenges. Arora also sought his intervention to resolve certain pressing issues. Regarding the pending approval for the setting up of a Technology Extension Centre of PPDC Meerut in Jalandhar, he said the state govt has already provided built-up space for it. However, the MSME ministry's approval is being awaited for more than eight months now. Arora also pointed out that the industry lacks funds to adopt eco-friendly materials and packaging, and requested incentives and research grants. On the issue of policy inclusion, he said this sector is not being covered under 'Make in India' and PLI schemes, and requested its inclusion along with the creation of an SEZ in Jalandhar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He also urged for the setting up of testing infrastructure, stating that no international-standard testing labs (e.g., FIFA/FIBA/ICC) are available so far. He, therefore, called for a certified facility in Punjab. Arora said Manjhi has assured him of his full support.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Business Standard
Decoded: Khelo Bharat Niti & its vision to reshape Indian sports ecosystem
After 25 years, we are finally getting a dedicated national policy for sports, the 'Khelo Bharat Niti,' said Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse after felicitating the victorious Special Olympics Bharat football team in New Delhi on Monday. 'The 'Khelo Bharat Niti' will strengthen the sporting ecosystem and infrastructure in the country and pave the way towards realising our dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics,' she added. VIDEO | Here's what MoS Sports Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) said on the National Sports Governance Bill: "It is a proud moment for all of us indeed, as after 25 years, we are finally getting a sports-related policy that will be known as the 'Khelo Bharat Niti'...this will boost… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2025 During her speech at the event, Khadse highlighted how platforms like the Gothia Cup reflect the transformative role of sports in fostering health, education, and leadership. She noted that this vision resonates with India's national priorities of improving sports infrastructure, expanding inclusive training, and building platforms that support athletes from all backgrounds. "Central to this push is the 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' a government initiative aimed at strengthening sports at the grassroots level and ensuring nationwide talent identification and development," Khadse further said. What is Khelo Bharat Niti 2025? Launched on July 1, the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents the most ambitious restructuring of India's sporting landscape to date. Replacing the National Sports Policy of 2001, the new framework aims not only to produce elite athletes but also to use sports as an instrument for economic development, social inclusion, and national progress. For decades, sport in India received limited attention and investment, often viewed as secondary to academic achievements. However, government schemes like Khelo India helped shift this mindset by introducing youth leagues, sports scholarships, and training centres. Now, the Khelo Bharat Niti builds upon these efforts and positions sport as a legitimate profession and an essential tool for development. The policy aligns with the government's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and underscores India's intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036, marking its emergence as a global sporting contender. The 'Five Core Pillars' The Khelo Bharat Niti is structured around five strategic focus areas: Global Sporting Excellence: Early talent spotting, elite coaching frameworks, and integration of sports science and technology form the foundation of this pillar, aiming to make Indian athletes internationally competitive. Sport as an Economic Engine: The policy acknowledges the financial potential of the sports sector. It promotes sports-related tourism, startup innovation, and global event hosting, supported by public-private partnerships and CSR initiatives. Social impact through sport: By promoting participation among women, tribal communities, underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities, the policy seeks to make sports a vehicle for social inclusion and empowerment. Mass participation and fitness: Khelo Bharat Niti envisions turning sports into a nationwide movement. This includes grassroots programmes, local access to facilities, and fitness benchmarks in schools and colleges to encourage healthier lifestyles. Linking with NEP 2020: In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the policy emphasises structured physical education in schools and improved training for physical education teachers to nurture young talent early. Budget and infrastructure push For the 2025–26 financial year, the government has allocated ₹3,794 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — a significant increase from previous years. Of this, ₹1,000 crore has been dedicated to the Khelo India programme, signalling strong commitment to infrastructure and talent development. Notable achievements under Khelo India include: 326 sports infrastructure projects worth ₹3,124 crore 1,045 Khelo India Centres and 34 State Centres of Excellence Support for 2,845 athletes with coaching, equipment, and financial aid Over 50,000 participants across 17 editions of flagship events like the Youth, University, Para, and Winter Games Aiming for the 2036 Olympics A key target of the Khelo Bharat Niti is India's preparation to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics — albeit with limited slots — has highlighted the importance of strategic planning and athlete readiness for the global stage. Partnering with the Diaspora and Industry The policy adopts a forward-looking approach by encouraging: Engagement with the Indian diaspora to enhance international branding and athlete support Greater private sector participation through corporate funding and sports-focused start-ups Alternative financing models such as CSR support and public-private collaborations A Vision for India's Youth With more than 65 per cent of India's population under the age of 35, the policy taps into the country's demographic advantage. It seeks to create an environment where young people can pursue sports not just for recreation but as a viable career path. By supporting holistic development and expanding access across the country, the Khelo Bharat Niti marks a generational shift in how sport is valued — from a pastime to a national priority.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
14 hours ago
- First Post
Explained: Why the rainbow armband is dividing opinions at Women's Euro 2025
The rainbow armband at Women's Euro 2025 is sparking debate, with some teams proudly wearing it to support LGBTQ+ rights while others opt for UEFA's 'Respect' armband, citing broader inclusion. The controversy echoes similar debates from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. read more The rainbow armband, which is meant to show support for LGBTQ+ rights and diversity, is creating mixed reactions at the ongoing Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland. It is dividing opinions among players and fans despite being a symbol of inclusion. Some captains like Switzerland's Lia Walti, Norway's Ada Hegerberg, England's Leah Williamson, and Wales' Angharad James have proudly worn the rainbow armband. Even England defender Lucy Bronze added a rainbow wristband during their quarterfinal win against Sweden. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read: Why is rainbow armband dividing opinions? But not everyone is wearing it. Spain's Irene Paredes chose not to wear the colourful band, and France's captain Griedge Mbock Bathy wore a plain armband with the word 'Respect' instead. UEFA has given teams a choice between the rainbow armband and the 'Respect' version. France explained their decision, saying the rainbow armband focuses too much on just one issue, whereas the Respect band is of wider range. 'Highlighting a single issue also potentially excludes the others. We cannot champion a single cause through our diverse group because there are so many causes to defend,' Mbock said. More from Football 'Our team is so diverse that we cannot highlight just one cause. I think that the armband with the word 'respect' really represents what we want to convey as a message and that is the most important thing,' she added. Out of 16 teams in the tournament, nine have worn the rainbow armband. 'Standard yellow and blue armbands are provided to all teams and rainbow armbands are available upon request,' UEFA told Associated Press. This means that the teams who chose to wear the rainbow armband made an intentional decision. Also Read: This debate is not new. A similar controversy happened during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where FIFA banned the rainbow 'One Love' armband. German players famously covered their mouths in the team photo after their first match to protest the ban, saying they were being silenced. FIFA banned the armband because same sex relationships are not legal in Qatar. Qatari fans later responded with their own protest by holding pictures of Mesut Ozil, referencing racism he faced in Germany. Germany was a big supporter of rainbow armbands but later some voices, like coach Julian Nagelsmann, asked for fewer political statements in football because they distract from the game.
