Dr. Sukanta Majumdar presides over football distribution programme in West Bengal; Football for Schools (F4S) programme completed in 33 States/UTs

Union Minister of State for Education & Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, presided over the football distribution programme held today at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, as part of the Football for Schools (F4S) initiative.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

Under the programme, nearly 1,700 FIFA footballs have been distributed across Dakshin Dinajpur district, covering approximately 250 schools. Statewide, over 87,000 footballs are being distributed across West Bengal, benefiting lakhs of students.

The Football for Schools Programme has now been successfully implemented across 33 States and Union Territories, achieving nationwide coverage. Under the initiative, approximately 9.80 lakh FIFA footballs are being distributed across the country, benefiting over 1.5 lakh schools, including PM SHRI Schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

More than 7 lakh footballs are being distributed across nearly 625 districts through designated nodal institutions, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. In addition to distribution, structured capacity-building programmes was conducted for Physical Education teachers to ensure effective and sustainable integration of football into regular school activities.

The programme places strong emphasis on inclusion, promoting participation of girls and children from rural and aspirational districts to ensure equitable access to sporting opportunities. By integrating football into the school ecosystem, the initiative aims to foster a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork and physical fitness among students, nurturing a strong sporting spirit across the country.