Project Mahadeva

Maharashtra’s Elite Football Development Programme

• Project Mahadeva is the Government of Maharashtra’s flagship elite football development initiative, created to build a structured, ethical, and world-class pathway from grassroots football to the highest levels of the game. The programme combines elite coaching, education, sports science, and player welfare to develop complete athletes – on the field and beyond. 

  Conceived as a state-led, high-performance model, Project Mahadeva moves away from fragmented talent identification and short-term training camps. Instead, it establishes a long-term, athlete-centric development system aligned with global football standards and India’s national sporting ambitions.

  Vision

  To position Maharashtra as India’s leading football development state by creating a sustainable pipeline of elite players who can contribute to national teams, professional clubs, and global competitions—while ensuring education, dignity, and long-term career security for every athlete.

  The Mahadeva Pathway

  Project Mahadeva operates through a clear, statewide progression:

  • Grassroots Development (U6–U12): District-level leagues across all 35 districts, progressing to inter-district and state championships.
  • Elite Development (U13–U18+): Annual induction of 60 elite athletes (30 boys and 30 girls) into a five-year residential high-performance programme.
  • Global Exposure & Progression: Structured international exposure, competitive overseas tournaments, scholarships, and professional placement pathways.

  Each athlete is supported through elite coaching, sports science, nutrition, injury prevention, mental well-being, formal education, and life-skills training.

  Scale and Governance

  With an initial ₹10 crore investment in FY 2026–27, Project Mahadeva aims to develop 300 elite footballers over five years through five regional high-performance hubs across Maharashtra.

  The programme is implemented by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Maharashtra, with technical, knowledge, and infrastructure support from MITRA, WIFA, CIDCO, and VSTF. Independent oversight, ethical talent identification, and strict safeguarding standards ensure transparency and athlete welfare.