The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with FIFA, has launched a major initiative to distribute 10 lakh footballs across schools in India under the Football for Schools (F4S) programme.

The move aims to promote sports culture and holistic education in line with the National Education Policy 2020.

Key Points:

• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the initiative from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata, highlighting the government’s focus on integrating sports in school education.
• Under FIFA’s global Football for Schools (F4S) programme, approximately 9.6 lakh footballs will be provided to India, with an additional contribution from the Government of India to reach the 10 lakh target.
• In West Bengal alone, over 88,000 footballs are being distributed across 21 Kendriya Vidyalayas, potentially benefiting 15 to 16 lakh students.
• The initiative is a joint effort by FIFA, the Ministry of Education (DoSEL), the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), aiming to foster discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being.
• Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, this distribution aims to embed sports as a regular part of school life, ensuring a well-rounded education for students.