New Delhi, Oct 24 The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Saturday launched its first mini football league for schoolchildren, with over 1,200 players from nearly 120 teams competing in the under-9 and under-11 boys’ and girls’ categories, officials said.
Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi inaugurated the league at Dr B R Ambedkar Stadium near Delhi Gate, according to an official statement. The civic body plans to expand the initiative to include other sports such as kabaddi, kho-kho, table tennis, and cricket next year.
Wahi emphasised that the initiative aims to encourage children to engage in outdoor sports, reduce excessive screen time, and promote discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills.
“The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is not only working towards cleanliness but is also providing excellent facilities in its schools and hospitals,” he said, adding that he was proud to have studied at an MCD school.
MCD Education Committee Chairman Yogesh Verma mentioned that the matches are structured according to the participants’ age and physical capabilities. Each match consists of two 15-minute halves, separated by a five-minute break.
Winning teams will receive a prize of Rs 1 lakh, Verma said.
The league also aims to identify and nurture football talent at the grassroots level, with hopes that some participants will eventually represent the country in higher levels of competition.
The inaugural match was played between the girls’ teams of the South and Central zones, with the South Zone team winning, the statement read.
(PTI News)
