New Delhi: Not even the challenging conditions on a cold, wet day in Gmunden, Austria, could dampen the spirits of India’s young football champions, who are realising their European dreams through News9 Indian Tigers and Tigresses campaign, TV9 Network’s historic football talent hunt programme.
The “Special 28” – 12 talented girls, 16 charged-up boys – of Indian football were selected after a nationwide hunt in search of the top young talents in the country. Out of a total of 50,000 registrations, 10,000 kids were shortlisted and participated in regional trials across the length and breadth of the country, but only 28 made it to the final list selected for the landmark Austria trip.
After a historic send-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who blessed this initiative at the TV9 ‘What India Thinks Today’ Summit on Friday, March 28, the young champions landed in Austria on March 30 and took part in the first training session a day later.
Austria training camp: Facing challenges and embracing growth
Rain and cold waves welcomed the young stars on the second day of the training session in Gmunden, but the football gems braved the conditions and sweated it out in the strength and conditioning sessions.
Under the watchful eyes of the European coaches, boys and girls underwent drill sessions on separate passing stations.
After two days of intense training sessions, the Indian superstars will face off against the teams consisting of European players in the same age group on Wednesday, April 2. The match will be telecast live on TV9 Network.
The custodians in the “Fab 28” group underwent goalkeeping drills under the guidance of a seasoned goalkeeping coach, who boasts 20 years of goalkeeping experience.
TV9 Network’s landmark initiative has provided a perfect platform for the Indian youngsters to train with some of the best coaches in Europe in the top-notch facilities and resources to ensure their growth and development.
Twenty-eight young Indian footballers, selected from 50,000 applicants through the News9 Indian Tigers campaign, are undergoing intense training in Austria. Despite challenging weather, they’re excelling in sessions led by European coaches. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
