Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh's tribal dominated district Shahdol is now known not only for coal and forests, but also for the passion for football. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Vicharpur village of the district in the 125th episode of his monthly radio program "Mann Ki Baat" and told that the players from here are now going to Germany for training. The Prime Minister said that the dedication and hard work of the children of Shahdol has impressed the world and this is a proud moment for the whole country.
In fact, the story of Vicharpur village is no less than an inspirational saga. This village was once infamous for illegal liquor and drug addiction, but years ago, former national footballer Raees Ahmed decided to keep the youth away from drugs and put them on the path of sports. He started teaching football to children at his own level. In the absence of expensive shoes and facilities, the children started practicing with goalposts made of bamboo splinters and old shoes. This seed gradually turned into a 'football revolution'.
Today, people fondly call Vicharpur "Mini Brazil". Here football is not just a game, but a part of life. So far, more than 40 children from the village have played at the state and national level. Not only this, even small children of four-five years of age here enter the field with the ball. This is the reason why Shahdol has now become the football hub of Madhya Pradesh.
First mention in Mann Ki Baat of 2023
Prime Minister Modi first mentioned Vicharpur in the 103rd episode in July 2023. He had told how this village has come out of the grip of drug addiction and has become a stronghold of sports. At that time, he gave the example of the love for football of young children Yash and Anidev. During that time, Vicharpur became the center of discussion across the country.
Podcast changed the picture
In July this year, the Prime Minister also shared the story of Vicharpur in a conversation with famous American podcaster Lex Fridman. This podcast was heard all over the world and reached German football player and coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer. Coach Beiersdorfer, who has trained big clubs in Germany, was so impressed by this story that he contacted the Indian officials and proposed to call the players of Vicharpur to Germany and train them.
Historic announcement in Mann Ki Baat of 2025
Once again today, in the 125th episode broadcast on 31 August, Prime Minister Modi announced that now some young players of Shahdol will go to Germany and receive international level training. He said that this is a matter of pride not only for Shahdol or Madhya Pradesh, but for the whole of India. The Prime Minister stressed that with hard work and passion, any small village can make its mark on the world map.
Selection of four children
At present, four children have been selected from Vicharpur, who will be taken to Germany soon. The selected players also include young children, who are the symbol of the new football generation here. The Madhya Pradesh government has also started full preparations and the state's sports department will provide travel and training facilities to the children.
International recognition
Experts say that this example of Shahdol will prove to be a milestone for Indian football. Till now, football in the country was often associated with Goa, West Bengal, Kerala and the north-eastern states, but now this small village in central India is in the eyes of the world. The training received in Germany will increase the confidence of the players and in future they can reach the national team.
The result of Raees Ahmed's hard work
Everyone in the village believes that this success is actually the result of years of hard work of Raees Ahmed. He single-handedly made football the identity of the village. He had said, "I wanted our children to stay away from alcohol and drugs. Football has given them a new direction." Today, this thinking of his has changed the fate of the village. Today, Vicharpur of Shahdol is no longer just a “Mini Brazil” but has become a symbol of India's new sports revolution. The Prime Minister's appreciation, the support of an international coach and the news of training in Germany have put this small village on the world map. If the children here are seen scoring goals for the country in the coming times, it will be no less than a miracle.
What did the Prime Minister say?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that two years ago I went to Shahdol, met the football players there. During the podcast, in response to a question, I also mentioned the football players of Shahdol. The same thing was heard by German football player and coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer. The life journey of the young football players of Shahdol impressed and inspired him a lot. Truly no one had imagined that the talented football players there would attract the attention of other countries. Now the German coach has offered to train some players of Shahdol in an academy in Germany. After this, the government of Madhya Pradesh has also contacted them. Soon some of our young friends from Shahdol will go to Germany for a training course. I am also very happy to see that the popularity of football is constantly increasing in India. I urge football lovers to visit Shahdol whenever they get time and see closely the sports revolution taking place there.”
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