MARGAO
Legendary footballer Baichung Bhutia has announced a nationwide talent hunt aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent across India. Kicking off this month, the initiative will cover 50 cities, including Jalandhar, Patiala, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Mysuru, Mangalore, Bangalore, and Belgaum.
When asked about the omission of Goa from the initial list, Bhutia mentioned he has instructed officials to include it in the talent hunt. "My main aim is to tap into the potential of youth from diverse regions, providing them opportunities to develop their skills at the BBFS Residential Academy," he stated.
Bhutia emphasized that India is rich in football talent, with many young players poised to become future stars. The selection process will identify promising participants who will join the BBFS academy. "Our residential academy is dedicated to supporting the growth of football, offering the best facilities for our players," he added.
The program is designed to enhance athletic skills, leadership, and empowerment among young athletes, aiming to revolutionize opportunities for aspiring players across the country. It will provide professional-level coaching that focuses on technical skills as well as personal development.
“Our mission is to create a supportive and inspiring environment for young athletes to develop their soccer abilities while nurturing their overall growth,” Bhutia explained. "We are also committed to promoting women's participation in sports, and this initiative reflects our dedication to providing opportunities for girls to enhance their athletic skills and well-being."
The training will be led by experienced coaches, many of whom have professional backgrounds. Sessions will focus on essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness, while also teaching sportsmanship and the importance of mental and physical health.
Bhutia expressed hope that these trials will uncover and develop India’s next football stars. Organized by Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) and powered by enJogo, the trials are expected to attract over 6,000 players aged 9 to 18, showcasing their talents in front of AIFF/AFC certified coaches.
