Roots Football Club, backed by B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. (BLK) through its CSR initiatives, was recognised at the inaugural Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) Annual Awards 2024–25 for its contribution to the growth of football in Karnataka. The honour reflects the outcomes of sustained institutional support that has strengthened structured youth systems and expanded opportunities in women’s football over the last three years.
The club received the Best Youth Development Club and Best Football Academy awards, reaffirming its focus on long-term player development. Adding to the achievement, Ura Dimri was named Emerging Player of the Year (Women), marking an important milestone for Roots FC’s women’s football programme.
Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Shruti Kashyap Choudhari, Director, B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. said,
“Our association with Roots Football Club has been built on the belief that young players need continuity and structure to progress beyond the youth level. At BL Kashyap, we believe that the true measure of impact lies in creating long-term opportunity, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for social transformation whether it is enabling young players to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18, or supporting women to pursue sport as a viable profession. The recognition at the KSFA Awards is encouraging, but more importantly, it reinforces our belief that sustained investment in grassroots ecosystems can create impact far beyond the field.”
The awards ceremony was hosted by Mr. N. A. Harris, President – KSFA and Vice President – AIFF, and saw the participation of leading voices from Indian football. Dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Sunil Chhetri, former captain of the Indian national team; Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President – AIFF; Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary – AIFF; and Dr. K. Govindaraj, President – Karnataka Olympic Association, highlighting the significance of the initiative in strengthening grassroots football across the state.
Beyond the honours received, Roots FC was also shortlisted in several major categories, including Best Club Management, Fair Play Award, and Best Women’s Club. Individual nominations across coaching and player categories—such as Coach of the Year (Men), Youth Player of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year (Men)—further reflected the robustness of the club’s development model.
BLK’s CSR partnership with Roots Football Club has, over the past three years, supported both the senior men’s and women’s teams, ensuring continuity beyond the youth level. More than 60 per cent of players in the senior men’s squad come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with the programme enabling them to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18 while pursuing structured professional pathways.
In parallel, the women’s programme has benefited from professional support systems that allow athletes to earn an income through football. This has contributed to growing acceptance and sustained encouragement for women’s participation in the sport within families and communities, extending the impact of the partnership beyond competitive outcomes.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:09 pm by News Vent Team | Published by: News Vent Team on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:09 pm | News Categories: Brand Post
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