SportsPosted at: Nov 30 2025 5:05PM Odisha to bolster grassroots feeder programmesBhubaneswar, Nov 30 (UNI) AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey met with Sachin R. Jadhav, Sports Secretary, Government of Odisha, to discuss the renewal of the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy here.

The AIFF President also met with Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, Nityananda Gond, Minister for School and Mass Education, Tankadhar Tripathi, President, Football Association of Odisha, and Jayanarayan Mishra, Member of the Legislative Assembly on Saturday.

The discussions focused on establishing a structured feeder system across districts in Odisha and creating pathways for young footballers through the National Education Policy.

The meetings further addressed strategies to strengthen grassroots football development in the state, including enhancing the training of Physical Education Teachers at the school level and appointing former footballers as AIFF D-Licensed coaches to support early talent identification and development.

Minister Suryabanshi, "Odisha is fully committed to nurturing football talent right from the grassroots level. By integrating sports into the school ecosystem, we aim to identify and nourish young students across every block, providing them with world-class coaching, structured pathways."

"Today's discussions with the AIFF President reinforce our shared vision of building a strong feeder system that will produce not just footballers, but well-rounded individuals who can represent India on the global stage," he said.

In addition, the AIFF President interacted with the U15 and U16 squads at the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy, encouraging the young players and reviewing their progress.

UNI BMTags: #Odisha to bolster grassroots feeder programmes

Bangkok, Nov 30 (UNI) Thailand were crowned champions of the inaugural ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy after a composed and consistent campaign saw them finish ahead

of the field in the tournament.

The side delivered assured performances throughout the tournament, highlighted by strong wins and a disciplined showing in the decisive final round.

Natthakan Chantham (144 runs) and Sunida Chaturongrattana (13 wickets) were the top performers for the tournament hosts with bat and ball.