New Delhi: The hunt for India’s next wave of young footballers rolled into Bengaluru as the News9 Indian Tigers and Tigresses trials reached the city. The selection process ran alongside the Parikrama Champions League from November 27 to 29 at the Bengaluru Football Stadium turning the venue into a buzzing showcase of raw talent and ambition.
Sixteen teams from Karnataka, Goa, Odisha and Rajasthan battled through three days of fast football and high-pressure moments. It was a genuine chance to break into one of the most respected under-16 tournaments in the region, lived up to its reputation with hundred of players putting their best foot forward.
The event was held under the supervision of the Karnataka Sports and Youth Empowerment Department, adding a layer of credibility and structure to a league that continues to grow in stature each year.
The Bengaluru Tigers and Tigresses leg was also part of a far larger footprint. The season 2 trials were held in collaboration with the Khel Mahotsav tournament, hosted nationwide by Orchids The International School.
Sixteen teams from Karnataka, Goa, Odisha and Rajasthan battled through three days of fast football in the Champions League.
In Bengaluru alone, trials were conducted across three clusters – Yelahanka, Kengeri and Panathur, drawing an impressive 3,100 students and 440 teams across boys’ and girls’ categories. As the official school partner of the initiative, Orchids The International School has played a vital role in ensuring young players receive proper exposure and assessment.
Road to Germany
The best performers from every regional trial will now move into the Season 2 finale. From that pool, 30 youngsters will be selected for a special training experience in Germany where they will work with top coaches and train in world-class facilities through TV9’s partnership with the Bundesliga.
Season 1 of Tigers and Tigresses had already set a benchmark with 12 girls and 16 boys travelling to Austria and Germany after being flagged off personally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the WITT Global Summit. With Season 2 now in full swing and Bengaluru’s trials drawing to a close, the race for the final 30 promises to be even tougher and even more inspiring.