Bhubaneswar | FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger inaugurated India's first-ever AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday ahead of the much-anticipated India's World Cup 2026 qualifying fixture against Qatar.

An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between AIFF and Odisha government for the functioning of the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy. Wenger, who is on a three-day visit to India, is hopeful of seeing Indian talents on the global stage in the future. He will attend the India vs Qatar match slated to be played at Kalinga Stadium in the evening later today.

During the inauguration ceremony, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera and Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna were present in the hall.

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Giving details about the purpose behind the launch of FIFA-AIFF Talent Academy in India, Wenger stressed creating opportunities for talented youngsters in the country.

"The best countries in the world have the best education system for young kids. On the other hand, many talents in the world don't get a chance. So, we created a program that will give a chance to every talent in the world. That is what our program is all about. To identify the talent in India, to put the best talents together, give them good coaching program, give them good education and good level of competition," former Arsenal manager told reporters.

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"We start here in Odisha, visiting the qualities of the infrastructure, which are great. We have dedicated our own coach and the development system over the years. So we together, start, something with the President of AIFF and with the State of Odisha,” Wenger added.

AIFF President Chaubey further pinned hopes for the next FIFA U17 World Cup with the launch of the academy.

“Arsene Wenger's guidance, leadership, his technical plans, and strategies will help  India to dream big. Let's dream to qualify for the U17 World Cup. Let's play through our merit. It is a very common and frequent question as AIFF President, ' When will India play the World Cup at senior level?' Let's have a small step towards the U17 World Cup," he said.  


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