Maharashtra Government Launches 'Project Mahadeva' to Train Young Footballers for Global Success

The Maharashtra government on Sunday launched ‘Project Mahadeva’ in the presence of global football icon Lionel Messi, unveiling a state-level programme to train under-13 footballers with an eye on long-term goals such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup. “We are confident that this project will produce players capable of competing at the highest global level, including the FIFA World Cup,” said Maharashtra Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis, expressing hope that one of the top players from the initiative will certainly play in the FIFA World Cup. The programme, launched at the Wankhede Stadium, aims to identify football talent across Maharashtra and provide structured training through a five-year residential scholarship model. A total of 60 players — 30 boys and 30 girls — under the age of 13, will be selected for specialised coaching, exposure to international training methods and holistic development, officials said.