New Delhi: After conducting rigorous trials across the nation and unearthing some of the most talented young footballers in the country, News9’s Indian Tigers and Tigresses football talent hunt is all set for its next chapter. Thousands of kids took part in the trials that were conducted in several major states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala and West Bengal among others.
The trials were conducted in two age categories – 12-14 and 15-17 with the final being held in Delhi. A total of 32 kids were selected out of hundreds who participated in the finals and the ‘fab 32’ will now be travelling to Austria where they will get a chance to train with some of the finest coaches in Europe which will open the door for a successful future for them in the sport.
Ahmedabad’s Manav Kiran Patel is among the 32 talented young footballers who aced the trials and will be on the flight to Austria next. Youngest in the family, 11-year-old Manav started playing football at the age of 8 and soon fell in love with the game. Despite being just 11, he has already impressed many by his talent and skills and played several tournaments locally.
Behind 11-year-old Manav’s playful nature lies a fierce footballer in the making, who is ready to take the next step in his career and pursue the sport professionally. A young Manav used to play cricket with kids in his neighbourhood but he liked juggling and kicking the ball with his feet more, a trait that was noticed by one of his neighbours, who suggested his parents to put him in football.
Manav’s parents liked the suggestion and got him admitted to football coaching at a summer camp. There has been no looking back for the youngster ever since as he has gone on to win a host of awards across different tournaments despite being just 11. Manav has already played in tournaments like the Rising Sun Cup and APS Cup in Ahmedabad and has made people take notice of his talent.
The 11-year-old has also featured in futsal tournaments in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa and Jaipur and has also featured in the National Games in Mumbai. He took part in the Asian Football 7 League tournament in Thailand’s Phuket in October 2024 and has been steadily making a name for himself as a young promising footballer.
Manav’s parents never thought he would achieve so much in the sport at such a young age but have wholeheartedly supported him in his football journey so far. With a dream trip to Austria as part of News9’s Indian Tigers and Tigresses campaign, Manav is set for the next step towards realising his footballing dream.
11-year-old Manav Kiran Patel is among the 32 talented young kids selected to travel to Austria where they wil get a chance to train with the best in Europe after successfully impressing in the trials conducted by the Indian Tigers and Tigresses football hunt. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
