Goa CM Praises Keren D'Souza for AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy Selection

Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has recognized young footballer Keren D'Souza for her selection in the AIFF-FIFA Telangana Talent Academy. This academy, part of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme, aims to nurture elite football talent in India. The academy offers comprehensive training, education, and wellness support. The recent inauguration of the academy marks a significant milestone in the development of football in India, with programs for both boys and girls. Keren's achievement is a proud moment for Goa as she prepares to represent her state and country on larger platforms.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 19:55 IST

Recognition for Young Talent

Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, recently met with Keren D'Souza, a promising young footballer from the state, to congratulate her on her selection for the esteemed AIFF-FIFA Telangana Talent Academy. This academy operates under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and the CM expressed his best wishes for Keren's future endeavors as she aims to represent both Goa and India on larger sporting stages.

Details of the AIFF-FIFA Telangana Talent Academy

Situated within the Gachibowli Stadium Complex, the AIFF-FIFA Telangana Talent Academy is designed to offer comprehensive year-round training for young football talents. The academy provides not only football training but also educational support, medical care, nutritional guidance, and mental wellness resources, as stated in an official AIFF press release.

Inauguration of the Academy

The FIFA-AIFF Telangana Talent Academy was inaugurated on June 19 by Telangana's Governor, Shiv Pratap Shukla, alongside Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. This event marked a pivotal moment in the development of football talent in India.

The boys' program is the second of its kind in the nation, following Bhubaneswar, while the girls' program is the first in India and only the second globally, following Hong Kong.

Key figures at the inauguration included Vakiti Srihari, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shivsena Reddy, Chairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana, and Sonibala Devi Akoijam, IFS, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana.