Union Sports Minister Raksha Khadse visited NorthEast United FC and praised its grassroots football development programme and talent scouting initiatives.
Shillong/Guwahati, May 31: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse visited NorthEast United FC during her tour of the Northeast and interacted with the club's management, coaching staff and young footballers, commending its efforts to identify and develop football talent from across India, particularly from the Northeast region.
The visit was attended by NorthEast United FC Chief Executive Officer Mandar Tamhane, Technical Director and Reserve Team Head Coach Naushad Moosa, Rohit Thorat, members of the club's management and coaching staff, and young players associated with the club's development programme.
During the interaction, club officials briefed the Minister on NorthEast United FC's youth development strategy, talent identification system and long-term vision for building a sustainable pathway for emerging footballers.
Officials explained that the club has undertaken an extensive nationwide scouting programme under the leadership of Naushad Moosa. As part of the initiative, coaches travelled to different parts of the country to identify promising young footballers through a network of coaches and former players, youth competitions organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and continuous monitoring of players representing India at youth international levels.
According to the club, nearly 60 young footballers were invited to Guwahati for final selection trials. The selected players are expected to form the core of the club’s Under-18 and Reserve Team squads, strengthening its long-term player development structure.
Raksha Khadse appreciated the club’s systematic approach to talent identification and athlete development and stressed the importance of creating strong pathways that enable young athletes to progress from grassroots participation to elite-level competition.
“The future of Indian football depends on our ability to identify talent early, provide quality coaching and create structured opportunities for progression. Initiatives that combine grassroots scouting, athlete development and long-term planning are critical for strengthening India’s football ecosystem,” the Minister said.
She noted that the Northeast has consistently produced some of the country’s finest footballers and remains one of India’s strongest sporting regions. She said sustained investment in coaching, sports infrastructure and scientific athlete development would help unlock even greater sporting potential from the region.
The Minister also reiterated the Centre’s commitment to promoting grassroots sports, strengthening athlete development systems and expanding opportunities for young sportspersons across the country.
Her visit to NorthEast United FC formed part of a wider engagement in Meghalaya and the Northeast aimed at reviewing sports infrastructure, athlete development initiatives and youth-focused programmes in the region.
