The Director of Education and Sports, Directorate of Youth Affairs, Vikram Singh, inaugurated a new Sports Hub at Sawai Village in Car Nicobar, reinforcing efforts to promote youth engagement in sports and football development. The initiative is part of the ongoing Football for Schools (F4S) program, launched in October 2025, aimed at using football as a tool for education, holistic development, and fostering a strong sports culture among students.
The Football for Schools program primarily targets children aged 8 to 17, offering structured coaching and opportunities for skill development. Extending beyond school students, the initiative also engages youth from local villages, both men and women, encouraging their active participation in sports activities and community development through football.
The newly inaugurated Sports Hub in Sawai is one of nine established across Car Nicobar, including Tamaloo, Kakana, Chukchucha, Tapoiming, Big Lapathy, Arong, and Mus. These hubs are strategically located near schools and playgrounds to ensure easy access for children and youth. Physical Education Teachers and Nodal Teachers have been appointed at each hub to conduct training sessions in the evenings, providing consistent coaching and guidance.
At the inauguration, Vikram Singh highlighted the importance of sports in shaping young minds, stressing that participation in football helps develop teamwork, discipline, leadership, and self-confidence. He noted that sports serve as a constructive avenue for youth engagement within communities and promote overall physical fitness and mental well-being.
The inauguration was attended by village headmen, teachers, students, and sports experts, all expressing enthusiasm for the new facility and the expanded training opportunities it offers. The Sports Hubs aim to create a supportive environment for nurturing talent, identifying promising players, and preparing them for future competitions at local, regional, and national levels.
The Football for Schools program, coupled with the establishment of Sports Hubs, represents a concerted effort by the Directorate of Youth Affairs to institutionalize sports training in remote areas like Car Nicobar, providing young residents with opportunities to excel in football while contributing to the development of a vibrant sports culture across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
