Recognising the need to revive football from the grassroots in India, the state government of Maharashtra recently launched Project Mahadeva, a bold initiative targeting under-13 boys and girls. The aim is to uncover hidden talent across even the remotest districts and groom them through a structured, long-term pathway.
The highlight of this initiative is that 60 selected young players will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with global football legend Lionel Messi during his visit to Mumbai this December.
Project Mahadeva is a statewide football development programme unveiled by the Maharashtra government under the leadership of the state’s Chief Minister. It invites young aspirants—boys and girls under the age of 13—to participate in a comprehensive talent hunt.
The selection process is elaborate, inclusive, and designed to reach every corner of the state. The process to identify talent is structured with multiple rounds: district-level trials, regional rounds, and a final state-level selection camp.
A total of 30 boys and 30 girls have been selected to receive full, five-year scholarships. These scholarships cover not just professional football coaching but also academics, nutrition, mental conditioning, and proper training infrastructure.
In effect, Project Mahadeva offers a holistic development environment—blending sports, education, and well-being—rather than focusing solely on one-time camps or short-term programmes.
What makes Project Mahadeva stand out is its international-level exposure opportunity. As part of the programme’s launch events, the 60 selected youngsters will train with Lionel Messi—arguably the greatest footballer of all time—during the “GOAT Football Clinic” scheduled in Mumbai.
This rare chance promises to be more than just a training session; it could be a turning point, infusing ambition, discipline, and a global outlook in young Indian footballers, thereby raising the bar for grassroots sport.
Q1. What is the purpose of Project Mahadeva?
Answer: Project Mahadeva aims to discover and nurture football talent among under-13 boys and girls in Maharashtra, providing them with comprehensive training and support.
Q2. Who can participate in Project Mahadeva?
Answer: The programme is open to boys and girls under the age of 13 from across Maharashtra, promoting inclusivity in talent identification.
Q3. What benefits do selected players receive?
Answer: Selected players get scholarships covering football coaching, academics, nutrition, and mental conditioning, ensuring their overall development.
Q4. How does training with Lionel Messi benefit young players?
Answer: Training with Messi inspires young players, providing them with unique insights and motivation to elevate their football skills and ambitions.
Q5. What is the significance of grassroots football development?
Answer: Grassroots development is crucial for identifying and nurturing talent early, ensuring a brighter future for sports in India and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Question 1: What is the main focus of Project Mahadeva?
A) Football coaching for adults
B) Development of under-13 football talent
C) Investment in professional leagues
D) Infrastructure for sports complexes
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many players will train with Lionel Messi in Project Mahadeva?
A) 30
B) 60
C) 45
D) 75
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which age group does Project Mahadeva target?
A) Under-15
B) Under-17
C) Under-13
D) Under-19
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What type of support do selected players receive?
A) Only football training
B) Scholarships including academics and nutrition
C) Access to international clubs
D) Coaching from retired players
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the significance of the GOAT Football Clinic?
A) It is a competition
B) It provides training with Messi
C) It awards scholarships
D) It is a marketing event
Correct Answer: B
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