In a landmark initiative for grassroots football development, the Maharashtra government has launched Project Mahadeva, an ambitious programme aimed at identifying and nurturing future football stars from across the state. The project, backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has selected 30 boys and 30 girls under the age of 13 for a comprehensive, long-term development pathway.
A Statewide Talent Hunt and a Dream Opportunity
The selection process was exhaustive, with trained scouts covering the entire expanse of Maharashtra, including remote districts like Yavatmal, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur, to ensure no talent was overlooked. The chosen 60 athletes have been awarded a five-year full scholarship that encompasses professional coaching, academic support, equipment, nutrition, and mental conditioning.
In an extraordinary twist, these young footballers will receive a career-defining experience. They will train directly under global football icon Lionel Messi when he visits India later this month at the GOAT Football Clinic. This opportunity adds a monumental layer to their developmental journey, offering inspiration from one of the greatest players in history.
Dreams in Cleats: Stories of the Selected Stars
The selected children come from diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story of passion and perseverance. Their dreams are now within closer reach thanks to Project Mahadeva.
Himani Rawat, 13, Pune: A right-winger who discovered football in 2021, Himani's quiet confidence has grown with every match. The daughter of a PT teacher and a homemaker, she sees the scholarship as a gateway to better training and environment. Her burning question for Messi? "How does he dribble?"
Aaradhya Doifode, 13, Amravati: This determined goalkeeper was inspired by an India-Pakistan match. Initially hesitant, she was pushed into the sport by her fireman father. She draws inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo's discipline and would ask Messi about the struggles he faced to play for his country.
Shrusti Singh, 13, Nagpur: A strong defender, Shrusti was guided into her position by her uncle and coach, Hemant Singh. Supported by her transporter father and homemaker mother, her dream is clear: to play for India. She idolizes both Sunil Chhetri and Ronaldo.
Ishaan Banerji, 13, Pune: A centre-back who fell in love with the game watching TV with his retired software engineer father, Ishaan is inspired by Messi's calmness and creativity. He is profoundly grateful for the scholarship's holistic support, including schooling and stay.
Reyansh Gandhi, 13, Nagpur: The son of a factory owner and a school teacher, this disciplined left-back was inspired simply by watching older kids play. He admires Messi for being "the best" and wants to know how the legend handles pressure at the highest level.
Aaradhy Chougale, 13, Kolhapur: Showing immense resilience, Aaradhy switched from swimming to football on his family's encouragement. Despite losing his father, he is fully supported by his homemaker mother. He idolizes his uncle and Messi, and views the project's facilities as a crucial step toward his national team dream.
A Structured Pathway for India's Football Future
Project Mahadeva represents a significant shift towards structured, long-term talent development in Indian football. By focusing on the under-13 category and providing a five-year scholarship, the programme ensures that financial constraints do not hinder potential. The inclusion of both boys and girls underscores a commitment to gender equality in sports development.
The upcoming session with Lionel Messi is not just a photo opportunity; it is designed to be a genuine coaching clinic that could fundamentally alter these children's understanding of the game. It sets a new benchmark for how corporate and governmental sports projects can integrate global expertise to motivate the next generation.
As these 60 children from towns and cities across Maharashtra prepare for their date with destiny, Project Mahadeva has successfully turned a common dream into a shared, tangible goal. Their journey, which began on humble grounds in Amravati, Nagpur, and Kolhapur, is now headed for a historic meeting with footballing greatness, potentially lighting the path for India's future stars.
