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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ED arrests Sandeepa Virk, 'cosmetologist' for alleged money laundering
New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate said on Wednesday it has arrested a woman, who claims to be an actor and a cosmetologist, under the anti-money laundering law in a case of alleged fraud and misrepresentation.
The agency said the purported links of the woman, Sandeepa Virk, with a Reliance Group executive, Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman (President, Corporate Affairs), are also under its scanner. Sethuraman, in a statement, denied any connection with Virk or any transactions related to her.
Virk was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday after searches were conducted against her and her associates in Delhi and Mumbai over the last two days.
A special court sent her to the ED's custody till August 14, the agency said. The woman claims to be the owner of a skin care products selling website named hyboocare.com, which the ED claimed was a "front" for money laundering.
She and her associates are being probed for allegedly exerting undue influence through "misrepresentation" and "defrauding" individuals by soliciting money under false pretences.
According to an Instagram ID of Virk, she is an actor and entrepreneur and the founder of the said website.
The federal agency said in a statement that the woman was also "in touch with" Sethuraman, former director of erstwhile Reliance Capital Limited.
She was communicating with him regarding "illegal liaisoning", the ED claimed, adding that the searches at Sethuraman's residence "confirmed" these allegations.
"Besides, diversion of funds for personal benefit has also been unearthed during the course of the search action," it said.
The ED alleged that public money worth about Rs 18 crore belonging to Reliance Commercial Finance Limited (RCFL) was disbursed to Sethuraman in 2018 by "flouting" prudent lending norms.
The funds were lent under terms that allowed a deferment of the principal amount as well as the interest, with multiple waivers granted and no due diligence conducted, it said.
The ED claimed that besides this, a home loan of Rs 22 crore was provided by Reliance Capital Limited by "violating" the prudential norms. "A large part of these loans are seen to have been eventually siphoned off and remained unpaid," it alleged.
Sethuraman, in a statement, dismissed the allegations as "baseless". He denied any connection with Virk or any transactions related to her.
Detailing about Virk's web portal, the agency said it purportedly sold FDA-approved beauty products. However, the ED said the products listed on the website have been found to be non-existent and the portal lacks a user registration option and is plagued by persistent payment gateway issues.
A scrutiny of the website uncovered minimal social-media engagement, an inactive WhatsApp contact number and an absence of transparent organisational details, all of which reinforce the finding of "non-genuine" commercial activity, the ED claimed.
"These factors, including limited product range, inflated pricing, false claims of FDA approval and technical inconsistencies, indicate that the website serves as a front for laundering funds," it said.
Another social media-hosted bio data of the woman said she is a certified cosmetologist.
The ED said several "incriminating" documents were seized during the searches and the statement of a man named Farrukh Ali, stated to be an associate of Virk, was recorded.
The money-laundering case stems from an FIR lodged by the Punjab Police.
Sethuraman said that the home loan he received from Reliance Capital was granted following due process and was secured by the property offered as collateral.
