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 said Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), while flagging off the Golden Baby League of the SAI-Odisha Football Club for students in the age group of under 7, 8 and 11 years, on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at SAI International School. Talking about the importance of imbibing physical education skills in students, Shri Chaudhary added that BMC is aiming to utilize and develop sporting infrastructure in Government land and Government schools to encourage children develop affinity towards sports.

Watching the training session, Ms.Binapani Biswal, mother of Adwaita of Class II shared that ‘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’. An enthusiastic Priyanshu Das of Class III exclaimed that ‘it’s fun, fun and fun all the way, playing football can really be so fun but also needs lot of exercise’. Class VI student Pranab’s father Shri Jyotirmayee Panda opined that such training sessions are a great inspiration for the students and thanked SAI for encouraging and inculcating sporting skills in students in a methodical way. 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.

Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, Founder and Chief Mentor, SAI International Education Group appreciated the interest 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.

Shri Aakash Narula, Head Football Development, Odisha FC and his team of coaches along with football coaches of SAI International School helped the young students to learn the fundamentals of football. Appreciating the enthusiasm of the students and parents alike, Shri Narula said that ‘I can see some great talents here, and am sure, the training will be of immense help’.

The students will play of total of 28 comparative football matches in a span of three months which will not only nurture football skills but also strengthen their knowledge in maths, english and social skills.