In a landmark move for Indian football, FIFA, in partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Telangana government, has opened its first talent academy for girls in India. Located at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad, the facility will cater to elite youth footballers and marks a significant step towards gender-inclusive sports development.

A New Chapter for Indian Football

The newly launched academy will provide year-round residential training to 60 elite players — 30 boys (Under-14) and 30 girls (Under-16) — including 10 local players from Telangana in each group. The program covers high-performance training, education, nutrition, mental wellness, and medical care, creating a well-rounded development environment.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey hailed the initiative as a “defining moment” in the country’s push toward equitable football growth. “This academy will not only nurture elite athletes but also inspire a generation of footballers to dream of representing India at the highest levels,” he said.

Operated Under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme

The Hyderabad facility is part of FIFA’s global Talent Development Scheme, which aims to improve grassroots structures and scout emerging players across underserved regions. While FIFA and AIFF will handle technical and operational aspects, the Sports Authority of Telangana will support infrastructure, education, and logistics.

A Step Toward Vision 2047

The initiative aligns with AIFF’s Vision 2047 roadmap, which sets a long-term goal to position India as a competitive football nation globally. The launch of the girls’ academy, alongside a second boys’ facility, is a strategic move to build a pipeline for future participation in FIFA U-17 World Cups and beyond.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called the project a “game-changer for girls in football,” emphasizing that this academy is among the few globally under FIFA’s scheme with a dedicated focus on female athletes.

Looking Ahead

This academy symbolizes more than just infrastructure—it represents a shift in how India views women’s participation in football, offering young girls a clear, structured path to the national and international stage.

With this launch, India has taken a crucial step toward inclusive grassroots development in sport—and signaled its intent to become a serious contender on the world football map.

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