Chandigarh, Feb 27 : In a landmark collaboration, Punjab-based YFC Rurka Kalan has partnered with Qatar’s Generation Amazing Foundation to develop a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex in a Punjab village, with an investment of Rs 8 crore. The Generation Amazing Community Club, part of the initiative, was inaugurated earlier this week, while the official MoU signing took place in Chandigarh on Wednesday.
Gurmangal Das, Founder and CEO of YFC Rurka Kalan, expressed his excitement about the project: “Since YFC Rurka Kalan began in 2001, our mission has been to provide sports opportunities to every child in Punjab’s villages. Over the past 24 years, we have supported thousands of young athletes. With this investment from Generation Amazing Foundation, more than 10,000 children will receive free training at the new sports complex, under the guidance of expert coaches.”
A World-Class Sports Facility in Punjab
The first phase of the six-acre sports complex, which was recently completed, includes:
– A football pitch
– A 50-station gymnasium
– A multi-sports hall for table tennis and pickleball
– A 32-bed dormitory for trainees
– An auditorium for events and workshops
The second phase of the project will introduce:
– An indoor sports hall
– A swimming pool
– A 2,000-3,000 capacity pavilion for hosting national-level football matches
Coaches from YFC and Generation Amazing Foundation will train young athletes and conduct free workshops for 10,000 children. Earlier this month, Qatari coaches conducted training workshops for local coaches, with more sessions planned.
Strengthening Global Sports Ties
Generation Amazing Foundation, known for its involvement in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has been collaborating with YFC Rurka Kalan since 2017, supporting coaching programs and infrastructure development. Coach Hamad Abdulaziz recently led a four-day train-the-trainer program, training 15 local coaches in basketball and football.
Jassim Al-Ali, Executive Director of Generation Amazing Foundation, highlighted the project’s vision: “Our goal is to integrate sports into everyday life by developing infrastructure, enhancing coaching techniques, and supporting players. YFC’s mission aligns perfectly with ours, making this partnership a natural fit.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Former Indian international footballer Anwar Ali, who started his career at YFC, praised the initiative: “YFC played a crucial role in my journey to the national team. With this new facility, we hope to discover and nurture more talented athletes who can excel internationally.”
Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang, who attended the signing ceremony, commended the initiative: “Grassroots clubs like YFC Rurka Kalan are essential in shaping young talent and encouraging sports as a way of life.”
The event also saw the presence of former Deputy Mayor of Derby (UK), Balbir Sandhu, who emphasized the importance of NRI support in strengthening grassroots sports development in Punjab.
With this ambitious collaboration, Punjab is set to become a hub for sports excellence, providing young athletes with world-class facilities and training opportunities, fostering a brighter future for Indian sports.