Global icons Lionel Messi, Sunil Chhetri, and Sachin Tendulkar unveil a state mission to nurture under‑13 football talent from Maharashtra’s villages.
In a landmark moment for Indian football, Maharashtra has officially launched “Project Mahadeva,” an ambitious state‑level initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing young football talent from the state’s rural heartlands. The grand launch event was held at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, turning the iconic cricket ground into a stage for a new sporting revolution.
The inaugural ceremony drew global and national sports legends, including Lionel Messi, Sunil Chhetri, and Sachin Tendulkar, creating a rare and exhilarating blend of global football fame and India’s sporting pride. Their presence brought extraordinary attention and symbolic weight to the project, signaling Maharashtra’s intent to place itself firmly on the country’s football map.
Vision Behind Project Mahadeva
Conceived as a long‑term grassroots development program, Project Mahadeva aims to identify promising Under‑13 football talents from villages and small towns across Maharashtra. The initiative plans to scout, train, and mentor these young athletes, offering them world‑class coaching facilities, sports science support, and professional mentorship equal to international standards.
The program is designed under the guidance of the Maharashtra State Sports Department in collaboration with reputed football academies, private partners, and global sporting organizations. Officials described the project as a “vision for the next decade” — one that not only strengthens state representation in national tournaments but also builds India’s next generation of international players.
As part of its structure, Project Mahadeva will set up regional training centers in districts like Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Pune, and Chandrapur. Each center will serve as a scouting hub, connected to a central football academy in Mumbai that will provide specialized training and residential facilities
Iconic Launch: A Night to Remember
The Wankhede Stadium, known globally for its cricketing legacy, witnessed a completely different energy during the launch night. Thousands of young students, coaches, and sports enthusiasts filled the stands as the stadium lights illuminated the new dream — not of cricket, but of football glory.
Lionel Messi, who graced the event as the global ambassador, expressed his admiration for the initiative. He praised India’s growing passion for football and encouraged children from smaller towns to dream big.
Sunil Chhetri, India’s football captain, called Project Mahadeva “a game‑changer for grassroots football,” adding that consistent support and quality training are the keys to transforming young potential into national pride.
Sachin Tendulkar, regarded as India’s most beloved sports icon, spoke emotionally about the rising sports culture in Maharashtra. He reminded the audience that every legend starts with a small dream and that “discipline, guidance, and opportunity” can turn that dream into excellence.
The event also featured live performances, a showcase of football skills by young players, and an unveiling of the Project Mahadeva logo — a design that symbolizes strength, endurance, and divine inspiration from Lord Mahadeva, representing power and purity.
Focus on Rural Inclusion and Talent Identification
What sets Project Mahadeva apart is its dedicated rural inclusion model. The state government plans to send scouting teams to more than 200 rural schools and community grounds across every district. The selection process will rely not only on physical ability but also on attitude, commitment, and passion for the game.
Selected children will be offered full scholarships covering training, nutrition, education, and accommodation. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring equitable participation for girls, with separate training programs and mentors to promote inclusivity in sports.
By connecting rural talent to modern infrastructure, Maharashtra aims to break the barriers that have historically limited access to professional sports for children from modest backgrounds. Officials also announced tie‑ups with European academies and coaching experts who will periodically visit to provide technical sessions, coaching certifications, and exposure tours.
Technology and Training Infrastructure
Project Mahadeva will deploy modern technology to reshape grassroots training. Each athlete will have individual digital performance profiles powered by AI‑based analytics, tracking progress in speed, fitness, tactical understanding, and gameplay behavior. Training data will be regularly shared with coaches and parents to ensure transparency and measurable growth.
In addition, plans are underway for a state‑of‑the‑art central academy in Mumbai, equipped with advanced training pitches, physiotherapy and rehabilitation units, video analysis rooms, and classrooms for academic learning. The academy will serve as both a sports and educational facility, ensuring young athletes maintain academic continuity alongside rigorous football schedules.
Long‑Term Vision and Global Partnerships
Officials from the Maharashtra Sports Ministry shared that Project Mahadeva forms part of a three‑phase roadmap over ten years:
- Phase 1 (2025‑2027): Talent scouting and setting up training centers across five districts.
- Phase 2 (2028‑2031): Establishment of state football leagues for Under‑15 and Under‑17 categories with international exposure tournaments.
- Phase 3 (2032‑2035): Integration of elite players into professional clubs, national squads, and potential participation in global youth leagues.
Major global football organizations, including clubs from Spain, England, and Argentina, have expressed interest in collaborating. These partnerships could bring international coaches, friendly matches, and training exchange programs for Indian players.
A New Sporting Legacy for Maharashtra
Project Mahadeva signifies more than just a football campaign — it marks a cultural shift toward recognizing diverse sports beyond cricket. With the joint efforts of global icons, local authorities, and passionate coaches, the initiative highlights Maharashtra’s commitment to creating opportunities rooted in equality, excellence, and inspiration.
As the launch concluded with young players taking their first symbolic kicks under Wankhede’s floodlights, the message was clear — a new generation of Indian footballers is ready to rise, carrying both the power of Mahadeva and the dreams of millions from India’s villages.
