Dharmendra Pradhan, union education minister has inaugurated the ‘Football for Schools’ initiative, commencing the distribution of FIFA footballs, Mundali, in Cuttack district, Odisha. The objective is to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of children. During the launch ceremony on Saturday, Pradhan personally handed out footballs to 329 schools. The Ministry of Education has plans to distribute 11 lakh footballs to 1.55 lakh schools across 742 districts nationwide, according to an official statement.
“FIFA, in collaboration with AIFF, will distribute over 11 lakh footballs to 1.53 lakh schools across 742 districts in India. In Odisha alone, around 30,000 footballs will reach approximately 5,000 schools. I appreciate FIFA’s initiative to train sports teachers using modern techniques,” Pradhan said.
Highlighting the benefits of sports for students, Pradhan emphasised that sports contribute to a healthy body and instil a competitive spirit and playful mentality in children. He concluded by stating that children engaged in football are likely to find success in various aspects of life, the statement mentioned.
With inputs from ANI.