Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Arsene Wenger, head of global football development at FIFA.
Goverment Scheme
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Arsene Wenger, head of global football development at FIFA. A total of 50 talented football players from across the country including 15 from Odisha in the Under-14 category will be selected for the academy. The academy will be led by FIFA-appointed coaches as well as various trainers and staff from the AIFF and the Government of Odisha. Pratibha Academy is a major initiative to promote football development in India. An official source said, AIFF and FIFA are partnering with the Odisha government in setting up this academy. The opening ceremony was held at a packed Kalinga Stadium in the city during the India vs Qatar match in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint qualification campaign.
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