In a first of its kind, young Darshan Patil, a 19-year-old prodigy from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, has been granted the golden opportunity to play for SV Gmunden, a European football club with more than a century of history.
Alongside him, Varman, a NRI from the Netherlands, was has also been selected to play for the club marking a significant stride towards global representation in Indian football.
The Event Was Held at PD Hall, Garware Club House Located in the Heart of South Mumbai.
The momentous occasion was graced by guests including Gerharld Riedl, Club President of SV Gmunden, Dr. P.V. Shetty, President of the Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA), Jaya Shetty, Honorary Secretary of KSA, Kaushik Moulik, Senior Advisor South-East Asia & India at RIESPO, and Rajesh Malde, Director of PRO10.
Gerharld Riedl, club president of SV Gmunden, presented the team’s jersey to both Darshan Patil and Varman. The football club currently plays in the Austrian 2. Landesliga and is based in the picturesque town of Gmunden, located in the upper region of Austria. Situated right next to the lake Traunsee on the Traun River, it is surrounded by high mountains.
The town has a strong connection to football, and the local support provides a good environment for growth and partnerships.
In a parallel development aimed at fostering international football ties and nurturing talent in India, a collaboration between the Karnataka Sporting Association and the Oliver Kahn Academy was announced. This aims to launch European training programs in Mumbai, Maharashtra, managed by PRO10 and will offer aspiring Indian footballers an exposure to world-class coaching and facilities right here in their own country.
Speaking at the event, Gerharld Riedl, President of SV Gmunden, expressed his enthusiasm for both the young players. “The boys are talented, and we are happy to have them on board. India has a huge talent pool, and platforms like RIESPO can help us identify the right players and showcase them to the world. The potential that India has needs to be unlocked. We are happy to help,” he said speaking on the occasion.
Dr. P.V. Shetty, President of the Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA), echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that, “More cooperation like this one between KSA and the Oliver Kahn Academy is required for India football to flourish; it is important to get European training programs in India for our players to understand the international perspective of the game.”
Commenting on these significant developments, Kaushik Moulik, Senior Advisor South-East Asia & India at RIESPO, said, “I believe there is potential in Indians and NRIs in football; we have to identify exemplary talent and provide the suitable platform where youngsters can prove themselves. That is the abiding aim of RIESPO. I am really excited to see both the boys performing well and going from strength to strength.”
“It feels like we are set to witness a Kolhapur- meets- Netherlands in an Austrian setting to conquer the league,” he added in a lighter vein.
Both the young sportsmen were overjoyed at the opportunity that had come to them. Said Darshan Patil, “This moment is like a dream come true. I am extremely proud to be representing my country and the club that has chosen me. I am committed to give my best for both my country and club.”
Varman, the Indian-origin Dutch player, stated, “I am honored to get the opportunity that was my dream. I am geared up to perform even better going forward, and give my all for the club.”
Bengali