Kolkata: In a landmark move to promote grassroots sports and holistic education, Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan led the kick-off programme for the Football for Schools (F4S) initiative at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata, on June 29, 2025. Organised by the Ministry of Education in partnership with FIFA and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the event marked the beginning of large-scale football distribution across the state of West Bengal under the F4S initiative.
Statewide Impact through Simultaneous Distribution
Held concurrently in 21 Kendriya Vidyalayas across all districts of West Bengal, the event saw the ceremonial distribution of 2,487 FIFA-certified footballs to 349 schools in the Kolkata district alone. In total, 88,113 footballs are to be distributed across the state, benefiting an estimated 15 to 16 lakh students—making this initiative one of the largest school-based sports engagements in the region’s history.
Speaking at the event, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the power of football to unite, inspire, and instill discipline and determination among students. “Even one football in a school can ignite passion among students,” he remarked. He reiterated the government’s goal of distributing over 10 lakh footballs nationwide to transform schools into hubs of sporting excellence and active learning. The Minister also inaugurated an exhibition football match between two student teams to formally kick off the state programme.
A Vision Underpinned by NEP 2020
Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, echoed the foundational ethos of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which integrates sports and co-curricular activities as essential elements of a comprehensive education. “NEP 2020 envisions the holistic growth of children where physical education is not optional, but vital,” Dr. Majumdar said, thanking Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Minister Pradhan for their leadership in implementing this vision.
Strengthening Youth for International Competitions
MoS for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur lauded the initiative’s role in laying the foundation for India’s future sporting champions. “Such programmes are essential to identify hidden talents and prepare youth for international competition,” he said, expressing confidence that this nationwide effort will reinvigorate children’s engagement with sports like football.
Institutional Support and Grassroots Reach
Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, highlighted that through this strategic partnership with FIFA, lakhs of footballs are being distributed to schools across India. “This initiative will enhance sporting culture and grassroots participation, especially in government schools. It aligns perfectly with NEP 2020’s inclusive and transformative educational goals,” he said.
Other dignitaries present included Joint Secretary Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi; senior ministry officials; AIFF representatives; eminent sportspersons; and school sports captains who voiced their enthusiasm and shared their experiences.
About the F4S Programme
Launched globally by FIFA, the Football for Schools (F4S) programme is designed to make football accessible to students through the school system. In India, the F4S initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Education with the support of AIFF and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). FIFA has committed over 9.6 lakh footballs to India, one of 130 participating countries as of January 2025.
Following successful rollouts in Odisha in 2024, the programme in West Bengal is seen as a strategic expansion of India’s sporting ambitions, and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to fostering a strong, fitness-focused youth culture.
Conclusion
The Kolkata launch of the Football for Schools programme marks a major milestone in promoting fitness, discipline, and holistic education across India’s schools. By connecting sports with academics, and through visionary leadership under NEP 2020, India is laying a strong foundation for future champions and a healthier, more active generation. With each football distributed, the government takes a meaningful step toward building a robust sporting culture grounded in inclusivity and opportunity for all.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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