Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi explains Bicharpur’s “Mini Brazil” nickname.

NEW DELHI: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his monthly forum, Mann Ki Baat, to promote football. More specifically, he highlighted the story of Bicharpur, a small town in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district that has transformed itself from a hub of illegal alcohol and drugs into a “Mini Brazil.”

According to a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the PM stated on Mann Ki Baat, “This is the remarkable journey of Mini Brazil. You must be wondering that the twist is that Mini Brazil originated in Madhya Pradesh. Bicharpur is a hamlet in the Shahdol region of MP. Miniature Brazil is Bicharpur. “Mini Brazil,” given that this community has now turned into a haven for football’s upcoming stars. These football players were common when I visited Shahdol a few weeks ago. I believed that our citizens, especially our young friends, ought to be aware of this.

“Two and a half decades ago, Bicharpur village began its trek to become Mini Brazil. Bicharpur village was well known at the time for its illegal alcohol. It had intoxication in its grip. The youth in this place were bearing the burden of this kind of climate, he added.

In actuality, Raees Ahmed, a former player and coach, along with the beautiful game, helped the community pull itself out of its dire situation.

“Raees Ahmed was aware of these kids’ abilities. Despite having few resources, Raees Ji began teaching football to the youngsters with all of his heart. Football quickly gained popularity to the point where Bicharpur village began to be associated with it, according to the PM.

“Now, there is also a programme here called Football Kranti. Youth are connected to this game through this programme, and they receive training. More than 40 players at the national and state levels have emerged from Bicharpur as a result of this program’s success, he continued.

With the Football Kranti scheme currently in full swing, the Shahdol district has seen the formation of more than 1,200 clubs.

“This football revolution is currently gradually sweeping the entire area. Shahdol and the neighbouring districts have seen the formation of more than 1200 football clubs. From this area, several athletes who compete at the national level have emerged. Today, numerous eminent former football players and coaches are giving the local children training. Just try to picture a tribal region that was formerly notorious for drug abuse and illicit alcohol becoming the nation’s football cradle, the PM added.

“For this reason, the proverb ‘where there is a will, there is a way’ is used. In our nation, talent is in no short supply. There is undoubtedly a need to identify and support them. Therefore, these young people also contribute honour to the nation and provide it direction as it develops,” he continued.

“The PM’s words have come as a great boost for Madhya Pradesh football and the sport in general,” said Amit Dev, Honorary Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Football Association. He gave a motivational speech, for which we are appreciative. Bicharpur village has done an excellent job of promoting the game. With this endeavour, we will try harder to advance the game.