Project Maha-Deva

Project Maha-Deva Unveiled: Messi, De Paul, and Suárez to Inspire Maharashtra’s Young Footballers.

The Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA) and the Western India Football Association (WIFA), has launched Project Maha-Deva, the state’s flagship football initiative aimed at developing and nurturing football talent across Maharashtra. Under this program, 60 athletes (30 boys and 30 girls) will undergo intensive training over a period of five years at the CIDCO Football Facilities, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

As part of the global launch of this landmark project, scheduled on 14 December 2025 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, the selected athletes will have the unique opportunity to interact with international football icons, including Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suárez, marking a historic moment in Maharashtra’s sporting journey.