Punjab: For poor football fans, Rahul Chaveria is the only hope

Punjab: Driven by his commitment to uplifting underprivileged children through sports, 31-year-old Rahul Chaveria has become a beacon of hope. Formerly a bank employee, Rahul left his stable job to pursue his passion of coaching talented children who couldn’t afford training. A sports enthusiast since his school days, Rahul began coaching fellow students in 2010—just two years after he began playing. He said, “I always loved coaching. Within two years of playing, I realized that teaching others brought me immense joy.” During his five-year stay in Nawanshahr, Rahul joined the Daily Morning Football Club and began coaching young players there. He also started a small club to train children from slums, single-parent households, and families of daily wage laborers and rickshaw pullers. He added, “I don’t charge money from those who have talent but can’t afford coaching. Otherwise, the fee is only ₹1,000.”
After moving to Chandigarh, Rahul continued his mission with even greater determination. He started the Joy and Jolly Sports Association, where he employs coaches to train children in various sports. Over the years, he has coached over 600 young players—many of whom have gone on to compete at the state and national levels. To identify new talent, he regularly visits local grounds and provides training opportunities to promising youngsters. Rahul recently returned to Nawanshahr, where he celebrated his birthday in a unique way—by playing a friendly football match with the Daily Morning Football Club. According to Tarsem Lal, Deputy Mass Media Education and Information Officer at the Civil Surgeon’s Office and Chairman of the Mass Media Wing, the match was played between the Aur Block Football Club and the Daily Morning Football Club, Nawanshahr. The Daily Morning Football Club took the lead in the first half thanks to the strong coordination between Rahul and his teammates. Although Aur Block Football Club made a comeback in the second half, Nawanshahr won 2-1. Club President Ajay Mehra emphasized Rahul’s continued contributions to the community. He said that Rahul is actively involved with the Daily Morning Football Club, while his Joy & Jolly Football Association in Chandigarh is promoting needy and talented children—and furthering this noble mission.