Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared an inspiring story of young footballers from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, during the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. He used the example to illustrate how India’s untapped talent is attracting global attention.
PM Modi recounted his participation in a podcast with world-renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, where he highlighted Shahdol and its budding football talent.
“While discussing various topics on the podcast, I spoke about Shahdol’s young footballers. The conversation reached international listeners, and one of them, a German football coach, took notice,” he said.
The German coach, Dietmar Beiersdorfer, was so impressed by the dedication and journey of these young players that he conducted his own research and contacted the Indian Embassy in Germany to establish a training programme.
“He has offered to train some of these talented players at an academy in Germany, and the Madhya Pradesh government has also reached out to facilitate this initiative,” PM Modi explained.
The Prime Minister also recalled his visit to Shahdol two years ago, when he met the players and witnessed their passion for football firsthand. He said the initiative reflects the growing interest in Indian sports on the global stage and encourages young athletes to strive for excellence.
“Soon, some of our young friends from Shahdol will travel to Germany for advanced training. This story shows that India’s talent, when recognised and nurtured, can shine anywhere in the world,” PM Modi added.
He urged football enthusiasts to visit Shahdol and witness the transformation happening at the grassroots level.
This initiative is not only a boost for sports in Madhya Pradesh but also demonstrates the potential of small-town India to gain international opportunities through dedication and global exposure. PM Modi’s account emphasised the importance of recognising local talent and providing platforms that connect it with the world.
Later, the Prime Minister posted on X, “The football revolution in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, has made a global impact! Talked about a letter written by Mr. Dietmar Beiersdorfer from Germany, who wants to support football talent from Shahdol.”
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