KOCHI: For Navas Meeran, football is more than just a game. The Kerala Football Association president sees football as a medium to transform the lives of young players. Perhaps, that’s why he speaks about the future of Kerala’s football with sky-high optimism and unwavering belief. Meeran, the chairman of the Meeran Group, gives the impression of a man who considers that great responsibility follows inseparably from great power.
Meeran is a man on a mission, determined to take Kerala football to a whole new level. To achieve this glorious yet distant dream, Meeran is all set to put his plan in motion to radically transform the football scene in the state by focusing on the grassroots development and empowerment of the youth.
Meeran, a native of Malappuram, has long been involved in football, but his current role gives him a newfound sense of purpose, responsibility and opportunity.
A man with a vision
Meeran’s vision is simple yet grand: to guide Kerala’s young footballers onto what he aptly refers to as the “big-money highway.” He is acutely aware of the financial potential the sport holds and sees football as a legitimate pathway to a better life for many of Kerala’s young athletes. “If we can help 200 players earn ₹1 crore, that will transform their lives,” he told News9.
This is not mere rhetoric. Meeran has already seen success stories emerge from his efforts, including a young player from his own football academy in Kumily, selected by Chennaiyin FC for a sum of Rs 25 lakh. This tangible impact fuels his desire to do more. He knows the likes of K.P. Rahul and Sahal Abdul Samad, Kerala football stars who have secured multi-crore contracts in the Indian Super League (ISL), are the kinds of examples that can inspire a new generation.
“K.P. Rahul earns something like Rs 2.8 crore, Sahal Samad gets Rs 2.5 crore. Why not have more such success stories?” he asks, not as a distant dream but as a genuine belief.
A bold plan for Kerala’s youth
To achieve this, Meeran has set in motion a pilot project in seven districts of Kerala, to create a mini-league system for players aged 13 to 21. This is more than just a football initiative; it is a blueprint for long-term development. He envisions Kerala as a state where young players, from registered and unregistered clubs alike, can participate in competitive, home-and-away matches throughout the year. The scale is ambitious with an estimated 2100 matches scheduled in the coming season alone, a three-fold increase from last year’s 700.
This approach is designed not only to improve the player’s skills but also to create a feeder system for ISL and I-League clubs. Under Meeran’s leadership, KFA plans to select 50 players from each age group for long-term coaching, giving them the foundation to succeed on both the national and international stage. The league will serve as a perfect platform for young talent, exposing them to competitive action while keeping costs low by confining most matches to their respective districts.
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A man who believes in letting the work speak for itself, Meeran understands the importance of timing and strategy, and it is this pragmatism that defines his approach to Kerala’s football revival.
Laser-focused on creating opportunities and transforming lives through his football dream, Meeran has pledged his unwavering support to fellow Keralites, which is evident in every initiative he undertakes, and every decision he makes. There is no better man in power than a visionary who is deeply rooted in the welfare of his people.
In an era where sports are often driven by commercial interests, Meeran’s selfless and honest approach towards the development of the sporting culture in the state sets him apart.
His dedication to football is not just about winning trophies or making headlines; it is about creating a lasting legacy that will benefit Kerala’s young athletes for years to come.
Only time will tell if Meeran’s grand plans come to fruition but for now, he seems the best bet to take Kerala football forward.
Laser-focused on creating opportunities and transforming lives through his football dream, Kerala Football Association president Navas Meeran has pledged his unwavering support to fellow Keralites. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
