Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse, recently visited NorthEast United FC to engage with the club’s management, coaching staff, and young footballers. She commended the club’s dedication to identifying and nurturing football talent, especially from the North East region. The visit included discussions with key figures like Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, and Naushad Moosa, the technical director.
The club’s leadership shared insights with Raksha Khadse on their youth development philosophy, talent identification strategies, and their vision for establishing a sustainable pathway for young footballers. They highlighted their extensive talent scouting program, led by Naushad Moosa, which involves coaches scouting across the country to discover promising young players. Additionally, the club emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of players participating in youth national team events.
Nearly 60 promising young players were selected for final trials in Guwahati as part of the club’s selection process. These players are expected to play pivotal roles in the club’s Under-18 and reserve teams, bolstering the long-term player development framework of NorthEast United FC. Raksha Khadse praised the club’s systematic approach to talent identification and athlete development, underscoring the significance of establishing strong pathways for young athletes from grassroots to elite levels.
Recognizing the North East as a hub of exceptional sporting talent, particularly in football, Raksha Khadse emphasized the need for sustained investments in coaching, infrastructure, and scientific athlete development in the region. She reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting grassroots sports, enhancing athlete development systems, and expanding opportunities for young athletes nationwide. The minister’s visit to Meghalaya and the North East was part of her broader agenda to assess sports infrastructure, youth-focused programs, and athlete development initiatives in the region.
