Maharashtra's 'Project Mahadeva' kicks off with Messi and Tendulkar
Maharashtra just launched Project Mahadeva at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, aiming to spot and train 60 young footballers (30 boys, 30 girls) from remote districts like Yavatmal and Gadchiroli.
The event had some serious star power—Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, plus cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
What's the project about?
Selected kids get five-year scholarships covering pro coaching (including foreign trainers), academics, nutrition, gear, mental training—and even a chance to learn at Messi's GOAT Football Clinic.
The goal: prep them for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Big support behind the scenes
Corporate giants pitched in too—Jindal Group donated ₹75 lakh and Mahindra & Mahindra gave nearly ₹1 crore.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he hopes this project will help Maharashtra produce future World Cup players.
And yes, there was a fun moment: Tendulkar presented a No. 10 jersey to Messi, who in return gifted him a football and looked back on his own World Cup win at the same stadium.