Roots Football Club, which receives CSR support from B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. (BLK), was recognised at the Karnataka State Football Association’s inaugural Annual Awards for the 2024–25 season. The acknowledgement highlights the club’s growing contribution to football development in Karnataka through a sustained and structured approach to nurturing talent.
At the awards ceremony, Roots FC was presented with the Best Youth Development Club and Best Football Academy awards, recognising its emphasis on long-term player progression. The club’s women’s programme also drew national attention as Ura Dimri was named Emerging Player of the Year (Women).
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 inaugural awards function was hosted by Mr. N. A. Harris, President of KSFA and Vice President of AIFF, and witnessed participation from several prominent figures in Indian football. The event was attended by Mr. Sunil Chhetri, former captain of the Indian national team; Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President of AIFF; Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary of AIFF; and Dr. K. Govindaraj, President of the Karnataka Olympic Association, underlining the importance of institutional support for grassroots football.
Along with the awards secured, Roots Football Club also received nominations in multiple categories, including Best Club Management, Fair Play Award, and Best Women’s Club. Individual nominations were earned by club members for honours such as Coach of the Year – Men, Youth Player of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year – Men, pointing to the consistency of the club’s development model.
Over the past three years, BLK’s CSR partnership with Roots FC has supported both the senior men’s and women’s teams, ensuring continuity beyond the youth level. In the senior men’s squad, more than 60 percent of players come from economically weaker sections, with the initiative enabling them to continue competitive football after the age of 18 while following structured professional pathways.
Beyond competitive success, the partnership has also enabled women footballers to treat the sport as a viable profession and earn a livelihood through football. This has contributed to increased acceptance of women’s participation in the sport within families and communities, creating an impact that extends well beyond match results.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 4:16 pm by Indian News Bulletin Team | Published by: Indian News Bulletin Team on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 3:25 pm | News Categories: Brand Post
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