Narayana Group of Schools, West Bengal, has announced the appointment of a distinguished coaching panel featuring some of India’s most celebrated names in football and chess, in a move aimed at strengthening holistic education and nurturing future sporting talent. The new panel includes former football stars Jose Barreto, Alvito D’Cunha and Mehtab Hossain as football coaches, while renowned chess grandmaster Dibyendu Barua has been appointed as chess coach. The institution said the initiative marks a significant step in its efforts to provide students with opportunities for excellence beyond academics.
Speaking on the development, Priyanka Mukherjee, CEO of Narayana Group of Schools, West Bengal, said the institution believes education extends beyond classrooms and that mentorship from accomplished sportspersons will help students develop leadership, discipline and competitive skills. She said the school aims to create an ecosystem where students can excel on the field, on the chessboard and in life. Brazilian striker Jose Barreto, Mohun Bagan’s all-time leading scorer with 228 goals, joins the programme alongside former India international and East Bengal stalwart Alvito D’Cunha and ex-India midfielder Mehtab Hossain. Their combined experience is expected to help build a strong football culture among students.
In Kolkata, the initiative reflects the growing demand for integrated education models that combine academic excellence with professional sports training. With Kolkata’s rich football and chess heritage, the move is expected to attract parents seeking well-rounded development opportunities for their children. The school said the appointments underline its commitment to nurturing physical fitness, strategic thinking, teamwork and intellectual growth among students.