Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse, visited NorthEast United FC
Minister interacted with club's management, coaching staff and young footballers
Visit attended by Mandar Tamhane (Chief Executive Officer), Rohit Thorat, and Naushad Moosa (Technical Director and Reserve Team Head Coach)
Club briefed minister on youth development philosophy, talent identification framework and long-term vision
Club's talent scouting initiative led by Naushad Moosa involved coaches traveling across various parts of country
Talent identification through network of coaches and former players, youth competitions organized by All India Football Federation, and monitoring of players representing India at youth national team levels
Nearly 60 promising young players were invited to Guwahati for final selection trials
Selected players expected to form core of club's Under-18 and Reserve Team setup
Minister emphasized that future of Indian football depends on early talent identification, quality coaching, and structured opportunities for progression
Minister noted North East continues to be one of India's strongest sporting regions producing exceptional football talent
Visit part of engagements in Meghalaya and North East reviewing sports infrastructure, athlete development initiatives and youth-focused programs
