Kolkata: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday launched the Football for Schools (F4S) initiative at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata, distributing 2,487 FIFA footballs to 349 schools in Kolkata district. The programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), was held simultaneously in 21 Kendriya Vidyalayas across West Bengal.

Pradhan announced that over 88,000 footballs would be distributed across the state, benefiting nearly 15 to 16 lakh students. Nationwide, FIFA is contributing over 9.6 lakh footballs to promote grassroots participation in the sport under the F4S initiative. An exhibition match marked the programme's formal kickoff.

MoS for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the NEP 2020's emphasis on sports as a core component of holistic education. MoS for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur said such efforts would strengthen children's sporting skills and prepare them for international platforms.

Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar said the initiative, aligned with NEP 2020, aims to build a sporting culture in schools. F4S, implemented in partnership with AIFF and SAI, previously rolled out in Odisha, continues expanding across India.