Vicharpur, a tribal-dominated village with a population of around 800, has gained national attention for producing over 60 national-level football players. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly praised the village, first in his Mann Ki Baat address and later in a conversation with US podcast host Lex Fridman. German football coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer, inspired by the story, invited five children for advanced training in Germany.
Struggles and Passion for Football
The players honed their skills on the village panchayat ground, without a stadium or academy. Football became popular here in the 1980s when Murli Dhar Kunde and his brother Suresh Kunde introduced the sport to local youth. Despite limited resources, several generations have carried forward the tradition.
Among the selected players:
Virendra, who once played barefoot, now dreams of returning with new techniques.
Pritam, supported by his uncle after his father’s death, has already represented the state.
Manish, inspired at his grandmother’s house, balanced training despite his father’s financial struggles.
Suhani, traveling 100 km daily for practice, overcame personal hardships to pursue her passion.
Saniya, the fourth generation of the Kunde family, continues the football legacy.
Coach with a Legacy
Coach Lakshmi Sahis, who has represented Madhya Pradesh in nine national games, will guide the team. She believes this international exposure will not only shape careers but also strengthen football culture in Shahdol.
The journey of these five players highlights how a small tribal village has transformed into a football hub, inspiring athletes across India.
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