Surya Varikuti and Rudresh Gaudnour, 12 year old football enthusiasts, have been selected as India’s representatives at the global Football For Friendship (F4F) social programme. The F4F programme, supported by Gazprom and FIFA aims at developing youth football and a healthy lifestyle, as well as promoting tolerance, open-mindedness and respect for different cultures and nationalities between children from across the globe. This year, the F4F programme has expanded to 211 countries and regions. This is the second time that India will participate in the programme.

Surya Varikuti – Young footballer selected to represent India at the Football for Friendship programme

Surya will join Young footballers from around the world in Moscow in June 2018. The children will be a part of the 32 International Teams of Friendship and play against each other in the Gazprom Football For Friendship International Championship. The friendly tournament aims to bring together children from around the world and celebrate the unifying spirit of football.

Also Read: India’s young journalist Ananya Kamboj participated in 2018 Football for Friendship Open Draw

Rudresh will act as the young journalist and report on all the local and global activities of the F4F programme as part of the International Children’s Press Center. He will also spread awareness on the Nine Values (friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions and honour) of the F4F programme.

Surya and Rudresh will also participate in the Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum in Russia, where the youngsters will get a chance to meet their peers from other countries, share their experiences, and discuss with famous footballers and journalists on how to promote key values of the F4F programme around the world

The selection of the young footballer was conducted by All India Football Federation (AIFF) by selecting the best defender, fitting the criteria, from a team that conceded the least number of goals. Surya, who has participated in various football tournaments across the country such as the National U13 Youth League, believes it is important to promote friendship, equality and peace to brighten our world.

Also Read: Chandigarh kid shines at the Football For Friendship (F4F) programme in Russia

Speaking on the selection of the young footballer Mr. Kishore Taid, COO, All India Football Federation, said, “The selection of the young footballer is an extension of our support to this unique global initiative. The programme is a wonderful opportunity for kids to build ties of friendship among children from around the world and foster peace and harmony through the beautiful game of football. We wish our young footballer all the best for the programme and look forward to his contribution in promoting the key values of the programme, in Russia, as well as in India.”

Tags: Ananya Kamboj, F4F, FIFA, Football For Friendship, Moscow, Rudresh Gaudnour, Surya Varikuti, Young Journalist