Meet six-year-old Zidaan Jamadar: The Young Football Sensation from Belagavi
Belagavi: Football is more than just a game for six-year-old Zidaan Jamadar—it’s a dream in the making. At an age when most children are still discovering their interests, Zidaan is already making his mark on the football field, earning recognition for his skill, discipline, and passion for the sport. With an impressive tally of 148 goals across multiple tournaments, the young footballer from Belagavi is proving to be a name to watch in Indian football.
Zidaan’s journey in football is intertwined with his father, Mohammed Siraj Jamadar’s love for the game. Siraj, a businessman, grew up playing football locally but never had the opportunity to pursue it professionally due to the lack of infrastructure and awareness about the sport in India during the 1990s. Watching international football was a challenge back then, with only limited broadcasts available on Doordarshan. It was only with the arrival of cable television that Indian fans got better access to global football leagues. When the Indian Super League (ISL) was launched in 2013, it reignited Siraj’s passion for the sport. The introduction of international players alongside Indian talent gave him hope that football in India would gain the recognition it deserved. He wished for a son who could pursue the dream he had to let go of—and in 2018, Zidaan was born.
Zidaan’s journey in football began in 2022 when he was just three years old. Enrolled at BFC Soccer Schools in Belagavi, he quickly stood out for his enthusiasm and ability to grasp the game’s fundamentals. His first coach, Abhishek Vincent Harry, fondly remembers his early days. “I vividly recall the first time he joined us at just 3.5 years old. While new to the game, his determination and love for football were evident from the beginning. Watching him perform in the Casa Grand BFC Soccer Shield was truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing him don the blue jersey of the Indian national team one day,” Harry shared.
As he grew, Zidaan moved to the Belagavi United Football Academy (BUFA), where he began playing in the Under-7 KSFA Youth League. His coach at BUFA, Nikhil Bhajantri, was immediately impressed by his talent. “From my very first session, I could see he was a natural. At just five years old, he displayed a deep understanding of the game, quick learning ability, and remarkable dribbling skills. In his first KSFA Youth League match against Raman Sports Academy, he scored a hat trick, playing a crucial role in our victory. He’s truly gifted,” Bhajantri said.
Since starting his football journey, Zidaan has consistently delivered outstanding performances in tournaments across the country, playing in under-6, under-7, and under-8 categories organized by KSFA, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC. His goal-scoring record is remarkable, with 50 goals for Little Gaur in Goa, 8 goals in the Win More Trophy in Bangalore, 3 goals for AFC Belgaum, 4 goals in the Super Cup FC Goa, 9 goals in the GFL Mini League Belagavi, 20 goals in GFL Belagavi, 20 goals in KSFA Bangalore 2023, 42 goals in KSFA Bangalore 2024, and 4 goals in the Casa Grand Soccer Shield 2025.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. AIFF-certified coach Vishal Kamu from the Manas Sports Development Foundation (MSDF) Academy praised the young footballer’s dedication. “From day one, Zidaan stood out. His hunger to learn, his passion for the game, and his ability to take on challenges make him an exceptional player. He’s focused and hardworking, qualities that will take him a long way,” Kamu noted.
Zidaan’s dedication to football has earned him several accolades, including the Most Valuable Player award from FC Goa Little Gaur, GFL Belagavi, and KSFA 2024. He was also named Best Player of the Tournament at the BFC Soccer Shield 2025. He currently holds the record for being the highest goal scorer for the Blue Cubs of the All India Football Federation in the Under-6 category and the top scorer in the Karnataka State Football Association.
Even at this young age, Zidaan follows a disciplined lifestyle that supports his game. His father proudly shared, “Zidaan always carries home-cooked food prepared by his mother to practice. Unlike other kids, he stays away from junk food. His focus and discipline are beyond his years, and as a family, we will always stand by him, no matter what.”
Currently competing in the Little Gaur 2024-25 matches in Goa, Zidaan continues to sharpen his skills and set new benchmarks. With his talent, dedication, and the constant support of his family, he is on a promising path to making a mark in Indian football.
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Heavy rain, hailstorms lash parts of Uttarakhand; all districts put on high alert
Dehradun (PTI): Heavy rain and hailstorms accompanied by strong winds lashed several districts of Uttarakhand on Sunday morning, prompting the state administration to put all district authorities on high alert.
The sudden change in weather caused uprooted trees to block roads and disrupted power supply at various locations.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman chaired a review meeting with district officials to assess the situation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain and thunderstorms at most places across all districts for Monday and Tuesday. Snowfall is expected in regions situated at altitudes of 4,000 metres and above.
An 'orange alert' remains in place for Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar. These districts are likely to witness isolated heavy rain, hailstorms, and intense to very intense spells of rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, the IMD said.
The weather office predicted that maximum temperatures across the state are likely to fall by 3-5 degrees Celsius over the next three to four days. During the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures remained "markedly below normal" in the plains and ranged from "markedly" to "appreciably" below normal in the hilly regions.
Dehradun experienced dark, overcast skies early Sunday, creating night-like conditions during morning hours. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average.
For the state capital, the forecast predicts a partly to generally cloudy sky with a high of 31 degrees Celsius and a low of 19 degrees Celsius.
Significant rainfall was recorded across the state after 8.30 am on Sunday, with Jollygrant receiving 21.6 mm and Mohakampur recording 19.8 mm. Other areas, including Mukteshwar (15.0 mm), Mussoorie (13.4 mm), and Pithoragarh (8.5 mm), also saw measurable precipitation.
Secretary Suman directed officials to clear blocked roads on priority to ensure public convenience. Specific instructions were issued regarding the Char Dham Yatra, ordering that helicopter services must operate strictly according to weather conditions to ensure pilgrims' safety.
Isolated places in the remaining hilly districts are also expected to experience thunderstorms with lightning and intense rain spells.
