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LaLiga Football Schools organises ‘National Train the Trainer’ program in Mumbai
Mumbai: LaLiga Football Schools (LLFS) in partnership with India on Track (IOT) conducted the ‘National Train the Trainer’ program for 25 shortlisted coaches from across the country in Mumbai recently. The initiative is part of LLFS’ vision to develop key stakeholders within the Indian football pyramid. Covering aspects of session plans, nutrition, hydration and methodology, the immersion event was divided into classroom & turf sessions.
Led by LaLiga Football Schools India technical director Miguel Casal & Senior coach Saul Vazquez specialising in sporting projects at LaLiga, the two-day event provided invaluable insights into football training methodology, development pathways, and game patterns; Along with a glimpse of the coveted LaLiga trophy, displayed at the venue.
Speaking at the event, LaLiga Football Schools India technical director Miguel Casal said, “Football coaches are architects and amplifiers of the football pyramid, and their development is fundamental to the overall development of the game. We believe that the National Train the Trainer program will elevate the overall standard of football in the country, paving the way for a brighter and more competitive future for Indian football”.
Senior coach Saul Vazquez specialising in sporting projects at LaLiga added, “Empowering football coaches is a crucial step toward building a nurturing football ecosystem. With these workshops we aim to fulfill three objectives; Evaluate the progress of current coaches, build a network for shared learning between participants, and equip coaches with the latest tools and techniques in player development & session management. Continuing our role as facilitators within the pyramid, we are confident of our methodology & impact.”
Alongside IOT, The LaLiga Football Schools Project was initiated in 2018 and has since impacted over 10,000 students in the country. The program is developed and administered by UEFA pro-licensed coaches from Spain and provides access to global football methodology and technical training to students aged between nine to 15 years all over India. Furthermore, the program is also designed to leave a deeper impact on the grassroots level through training of Indian football coaches and administrators of the program.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
