Md. Aqib from C.R.P.F. Public School – Rohini, Karan
Khurana from Apeejay Public School – Noida, Nachiketa Dutt from Delhi Public
School – Vasant Kunj, Raju Kumar (Goalkeeper) from Govt. Higher Secondary
School – Rohini, Sector 11 and Sachin Negi from Karl Huber School –
Noida were declared the five Airtel Rising Stars in the Delhi leg of
India’s largest Under-16 soccer talent hunt that concluded at Delhi’s Dr.
Ambedkar Stadium today. The players were selected based on criteria mentioned
in the well-known Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.
In a thrilling final, none of the teams scored a goal in
first half of the match but a fine goal by C.R.P.F School’s Md. Aqib in 51st minute changed the match to their favour.
C.R.P.F. School, Rohini thrashed Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj by a lone
goal and helped the school to become the champion of the Delhi leg. Earlier
both the teams fought aggressive game to end the first half 0-0.
For the Selection trials, the experienced and watchful eyes
of the coaches judged each player on his performance, taking into consideration
physical and mental strength, expertise in a position, and technical acumen.
Based on their expertise and skills tested in the city camp Md. Aqib,
Karan Khurana, Nachiketa Dutt, Raju Kumar and Sachin Negi were selected as
the Airtel Rising Stars of the city. The players from Delhi will join other
talent from Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Guwahati, Goa and Hyderabad to
participate in a five-day final selection trial scheduled to take place in
Goa. Raju Kumar, who was selected as the goalkeeper, will have to compete
against six other keepers, following which two will be shortlisted for the
final selection trial. Also, Sachin Negi was selected on the basis of wildcard
entry for Delhi leg.
Commenting on Airtel Rising Stars 2013, Mr. Rohit Gothi, Hub
CEO- Delhi and Rajasthan, Bharti Airtel Limited, said, “We would like to congratulate C.R.P.F. Public School, Rohini for
emerging as the Delhi Champion of the Airtel Rising Stars 2013. It is very
encouraging to see the abundance of young football talent in Delhi and NCR. Two
of our Delhi winners made it through the final selections last year and
attended the soccer training camp with professional coaches from the
Manchester United Soccer School. We wish to see the young Airtel Rising
Stars chosen today fulfilling their professional soccer dreams; we extend
our best wishes to all 5 of them for the national selections.”
Launched in association with Manchester United, one of the
best soccer clubs in the world, ‘Airtel Rising Stars’ is a rigorous scouting
program that will cover 7 cities of India and choose 11 talented footballers
who will get the chance-of-a-lifetime to attend a week-long training camp at
the Manchester United Soccer School.
30 players chosen in the final selection trial will train
with coaches of the Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) for five days in
Goa. The players will be tested on parameters that include physical attributes,
individual skills, match situations and performances in actual matches after
which 11 of the best will be chosen to travel to Manchester in the United
Kingdom for a week.
The on-ground execution
of ‘Airtel Rising Stars’ has been entrusted to Procam
International – India’s largest Sports marketing and Leisure Management
company.
