CM Fadnavis launches ‘Maha-Deva’ intiative to boost school-level football

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff attended the MoU signing in his capacity as the brand ambassador for the programme aimed at strengthening grassroots football.

The ‘Maha-Deva’ initiative is designed to overhaul sports infrastructure, modernise training ecosystems, and spot emerging football talent across schools in Maharashtra (X/@CMOMaharashtra)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday oversaw the signing of a key Memorandum of Understanding between the state’s School Education & Sports Department and the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), giving a formal push to the ‘Maha-Deva’ Football initiative.

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff was named the brand ambassador, who will lend his support to the programme aimed at strengthening grassroots football.

What is Maha Deva initiative

The ‘Maha-Deva’ initiative is designed to overhaul sports infrastructure, modernise training ecosystems, and spot emerging football talent across schools in Maharashtra, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to nurture young athletes.

Kick-Starting a Football Revolution: Tiger Shroff Joins as ‘Maha-Deva’ Ambassador!

Presided over the MoU signing and exchange between the School Education & Sports Department of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), and actor Tiger Shroff to give a… https://t.co/1Fd2ZjguJN

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 17, 2025

CM Fadnavis highlighted the opportunity that could be created for athletes from rural aread. In an X post, he wrote: “The ‘Maha-Deva’ initiative creates an opportunity for athletes from rural areas to perform on the international stage. It aims to identify football talent among boys and girls across the state and ensure their overall development. Through WIFA’s scouting network, 30 boys and 30 girls from Maharashtra will be selected and provided with technical training, educational support, and international-level exposure. The primary objective of this programme is to offer these young players comprehensive growth and opportunities.”