Raees Ahmed’s Journey:
Raees Ahmed, a former football player, grew up in the Shahdol division, a football hub for generations. He started playing football at a young age but had no formal training. After gaining some professional training, he returned to Shahdol and noticed children playing football in Bicharpur.
The Birth of a Coach:
Inspired by his own childhood and the passion of the village children, Raees decided to be the support they needed. He started training children aged 8 to 12, despite the lack of proper facilities and equipment. He even used half of his salary to provide basics like shoes and jerseys.
A New Beginning:
Raees encouraged the children to quit making mahua liquor if they wanted to pursue a career in sports seriously. This move not only helped the children but also their families, as they transitioned to other livelihoods.
Rising Stars:
By 2003, Bicharpur’s children were playing at the state and national levels, and girls started participating too. Around 45 players from Bicharpur have reached the state and national levels, including Laxmi Sahees, who credits football for opening doors to the outside world.
Laxmi’s Success Story:
Laxmi Sahees, a former student of Raees, has played at nine national level competitions and now coaches 40 students herself. Her students recently won gold at the Khelo MP Youth Games 2023.
Recognition and Progress:
The talent in Bicharpur gained recognition from local authorities and the government. Shahdol divisional commissioner Rajeev Sharma established numerous clubs, and the region now hosts around 80-85 football tournaments each year. The village has seen improvements in its quality of life, including access to electricity, professional grounds, open gyms, and dedicated sports budgets.
Continuing the Legacy:
Raees Ahmed continues to coach students in the Shahdol division, supported by national players from Bicharpur who mentor new talent. Bicharpur’s transformation from a village known for illicit liquor to a ‘Mini Brazil’ of football is a truly inspiring journey.
Conclusion:
Bicharpur’s story is a testament to the power of sports and mentorship in transforming lives and communities. Through football, the village found a new identity and a path to a brighter future, leaving behind its troubled past.
