28 Cadets Graduate as TFA Reinforces Commitment to Indian Football
Key Points:
– 28 cadets from 7 states graduate from Tata Football Academy
– TFA alumnus Kalyan Chaubey, now AIFF President, attends as Guest of Honour
– Bivan Jyoti Laskar awarded Best Gentleman Cadet at ceremony
JAMSHEDPUR – The Tata Football Academy (TFA) held its 15th Convocation Ceremony at Kadma’s Kudy Mohanty Auditorium, marking a significant milestone in nurturing football talent.
The event saw 28 cadets from seven different states receive their graduation certificates, highlighting TFA’s commitment to developing football skills across India.
Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice-president of corporate services at Tata Steel, presided as the chief guest, emphasizing the company’s dedication to sports development.
At Tata Steel, sports isn’t just an activity; it’s a way of life,” Chaudhary remarked.
“We’re exploring avenues to increase women’s participation in sports and continue fostering growth in the field.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Kalyan Chaubey, a TFA alumnus who now serves as the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Chaubey, reflecting on his journey, stated, “Being part of TFA’s inaugural batch in 1995 and witnessing the 15th convocation today is a privilege.”
“TFA’s value in producing exceptional talent remains undiminished.”
Mukul Choudhari, Chief of Sports at Tata Steel, shared impressive statistics about TFA’s impact on Indian football:
TFA Impact | Statistics |
|
Total cadets trained |
275 |
|
Represented India |
148 |
|
Captained national team |
24 |
|
Drafted into ISL |
58% |
The academy’s influence extends beyond national borders, with Choudhari noting, “TFA continues to be a premier institution for developing local talent and grassroots initiatives.”
Recent achievements of TFA cadets include:
Two cadets representing Jharkhand in the Santosh Trophy
Two cadets joining Jamshedpur FC for Durand Cup 2024
Ten cadets playing for Jharkhand in the Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship
Sonam Tsewang Lhokham representing India in the SAFF U20 Championship
The graduating class of 28 cadets comprises:
4 Goalkeepers
12 Defenders
9 Midfielders
3 Forwards
This diverse group represents the next generation of Indian football talent, poised to make their mark in professional leagues and national teams.
As these young athletes embark on their professional careers, they carry with them the legacy of an institution that has been instrumental in shaping Indian football since its inception in 1987.
