Bhubaneswar: The Golden Baby League tournament of SAI Odisha Football Club for students in the age group of 7-11 years kicked off on Tuesday SAI International School here.
The students will play 28 comparative football matches in a span of three months which will not only nurture football skills but also strengthen their knowledge of Math, English and social skills, said a statement issued by SAI.
“The state has been taking a lot of interest towards the development of sports and these Baby Leagues will create a great impact in the students and improve the quality of football in Odisha”, Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Prem Chandra Chaudhary said while inaugurating the tournament.
BMC is aiming to utilise and develop sporting infrastructure in Government land and Government schools to encourage children to develop affinity towards sports, he added.
Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, Founder and Chief Mentor of SAI International Education Group, lauded the enthusiasm and involvement of parents for encouraging their children to participate in the Golden Baby Leagues. He added that sports activities from a tender age will have a positive impact in the holistic development of a child.
‘It feels good to watch my daughter play with such great fervour. I hope these matches will help her to discover a new interest and develop good leadership skills”, said Binapani Biswal, mother of Adwaita of Class-II.
Mohammed Shamim Khan, HOD Physical education of SAI International School said that the enthusiasm of students and parents is greatly contagious. It feels good to see the small children trying their best to learn so eagerly about football.