Airtel Rising Stars - Delhi: Agaiya, Kartikeya & Amit the winners!

Agaiya Sharma from The Airforce Public School - Subroto Park, Kartikeya Swarup from Delhi Public School - Noida and Amit Dhankhar from C.R.P.F Public School - Rohini were adjudged as the three 'Airtel Rising Stars' at the Delhi-leg of the national under-16 talent hunt that concluded at the city's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium today. The players were selected on criteria based on the aspects mentioned in the Manchester United Scouting Guidelines.

The experienced and watchful eyes of the coaches judged the players on their performance, taking into consideration their physical and mental strengths, expertise in position, and technical acumen. Based on their expertise in the city camp Agaiya Sharma, Kartikeya Swarup and Amit Dhankhar were selected. The three footballers from Delhi will join players from 15 other centres to participate in the six-day final selection trial, scheduled to take place in Bangalore this September.

The 120 footballers who were shortlisted but failed to make it to the camp will get another opportunity to make their 'Airtel Rising Stars' dream come true next season. They will also receive Manchester United certificates, signed by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson.

Launched in association with Manchester United, 'Airtel Rising Stars' is a rigorous scouting program that will cover 16 cities across India and choose 12 talented footballers who will get the chance-of-a-lifetime to attend a week long training camp with Manchester United in Old Trafford, England.

These best players from Delhi will join 45 other players, who will be divided into four teams of 12 each and will be tested on all parameters (including physical attributes, individual skills, match situations and their performances in actual matches) before 12 of the best players are chosen to travel to Manchester United for a week and to train alongside the Manchester United Academy team.