National News
Jos Alukkas and PFC Kerala Unite for Football World Cup Dream
Renowned jewellery group Jos Alukkas is making a bold entry into football by partnering with PFC Kerala, officially recognized as an elite-category club tasked with training Indian players for the World Cup. Based in Parappur, Thrissur—a village synonymous with football—PFC Kerala has been nurturing talent since its inception in 2012.
The club boasts an impressive track record: six players have signed professional contracts with various ISL clubs. It has also contributed significantly to national and state teams, including one player each for the Santosh Trophy and the National Junior Team, 11 players for the State Sub-Junior Team, and five players for the Junior Team.
PFC Kerala’s Role in Mission World Cup 2047
PFC Kerala has been entrusted with the mission to train players for India’s World Cup team in 2047, a task assigned to just 32 academies nationwide, including ISL clubs. Notably, PFC Kerala is one of only two clubs in Kerala selected for this prestigious responsibility. This achievement grants the club direct entry into the National Youth League in the Under-13, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories. The club has already excelled, winning championships in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories of the Kerala Youth League.
Operating as a residential academy for over a decade, PFC Kerala now trains 350 players without charging a fee, offering scientific and high-quality football training. The club’s efforts have earned it the Kerala Football Association’s Best Football Academy Award and an I-League membership.
Jos Alukkas: A Deep Connection with Football
The Jos Alukkas Group, under the leadership of Chairman Jos Alukkas, has been actively involved in Kerala’s football scene, both as a supporter and organizer. A former player himself, Jos Alukkas has played a key role in promoting the sport, including the successful organization of the Santosh Trophy in Thrissur. This edition of the Santosh Trophy, held under his leadership, was marked by record participation and profitability, becoming a milestone in Kerala’s sports history. Thrissur, the birthplace of legendary players like I.M. Vijayan and C.V. Pappachan, continues to be a vibrant hub of football passion.
“Jos Alukkas has taken up the big task of bringing Indian players to the World Cup. Chairman Jos Alukkas is a football star. We are proud to bring back his passion for football through PFC Kerala,” said C.C. Hanson, Founder of PFC Kerala.
“For the Jos Alukkas Group, football is more than just a game—it’s a mission. We are proud to support PFC Kerala in their journey to mold future stars for the World Cup,” said Group Chairman Jos Alukkas. He further added, “Football shaped me as a person and taught me valuable lessons that guide my business today. It is our duty to contribute to the nation by helping discover and nurture football talent.”
Highlighting the club’s goals, Managing Directors Varghese Alukkas, Paul J Alukkas, and John Alukkas stated, “A player’s true potential emerges through participation in competitive matches rather than intra-club games. Our priority is to ensure PFC Kerala competes in more matches to refine and showcase talent.”
At a special event in Thrissur, the new logo and jersey of the Jos Alukkas–PFC Kerala partnership were unveiled, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the club’s journey. With a clear vision and robust support, PFC Kerala’s dream of participating in the ISL is now within reach.
The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) successfully concluded the landmark 10th edition of the India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS 2026 Diwali Edition), celebrated as #HumaraApnaShow, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. From October 2–4, 2026, the exhibition reaffirmed its position as India’s most premium B2B jewellery platform, bringing together over 400 exhibitors, 700+ booths, and thousands of buyers and industry leaders from across India and abroad.
The show began on October 1, 2026, with the Elite Family Jewellers Meet & Business Workshop, led by India’s leading business coach Rahul Jain, designed exclusively for jewellery business owners and their families. The workshop provided participants with strategies on growth, profitability, leadership, and customer acquisition, setting the stage for an enriching exhibition.
The show was inaugurated on October 2, 2026, by Chief Guest Shri Uday Samant Ji, Cabinet Minister for Industries and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, who lauded GJS as a platform that reflects the strength, creativity, and resilience of India’s jewellery industry. He emphasized Maharashtra’s role as a hub for trade and craftsmanship, noting that GJS showcases how tradition and innovation can come together to drive growth. His words set the tone for an inspiring edition that celebrated both heritage and modernity.
Guest of Honour Srinivas Injeti, Chairman NSE and Chairman of the board IAGES, Mahesh Jain, President, UP Sarafa Association, and Special Guest Rajiv Jain, Chairman, Jaipur Jewelley Show along with members of the GJC Committee of Administration and other senior industry leaders, underscoring the collective strength and unity of India’s jewellery fraternity.
On October 3, the prestigious National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, presented by the World Gold Council and powered by India Gold Metaverse, honoured excellence across categories. The evening was graced by Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha, who presented awards to the winners, adding glamour and recognition to the industry’s most coveted celebration.
Throughout the three days, GJS hosted MindSpeak Seminars, covering diverse topics across all aspects of the jewellery business — from sustainable practices and digital transformation to consumer trends, family business strategies, and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in design, retail, and customer engagement. These sessions empowered jewellers with insights to adapt to evolving market dynamics and embrace technology-driven growth.
The exhibition also showcased exclusive collections ranging from lightweight contemporary designs to heritage-inspired masterpieces, lab-grown diamond innovations, and couture jewellery.
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, said:
“The successful conclusion of the 10th edition of GJS is a proud moment for India’s jewellery industry. From the grand inauguration led by Shri Uday Samant Ji to the NJA awards presented by Sonakshi Sinha, this edition has set new benchmarks in innovation, networking, and business growth. The record sales figures highlight the resilience of our industry and the trust consumers place in Indian craftsmanship.”
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman of GJC, remarked:
“GJS2026 has proven to be the ultimate sourcing destination for jewellers nationwide. The strong participation, exclusive collections, and vibrant sales reflect the industry’s ability to balance heritage with modernity. The NJA awards further reinforced the industry’s credibility by honouring talent and innovation, making this edition truly memorable.”
Saiyam Mehra, Convenor of GJS and GJC NEXTGEN and Past Chairman of GJC, added:
“This edition of GJS was more than an exhibition—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and opportunity. As Convenor of GJS, I am proud to see how these platforms together showcased innovation, honoured excellence, and inspired the industry to embrace the future with confidence. The seminars, awards, and unique showcases have strengthened our collective vision for India’s jewellery sector as a global hub of excellence.”
The 10th edition of GJS concluded with resounding success, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and celebration that will continue to inspire the jewellery industry in the years to come.
Uday Samant, Cabinet Minister for Industries and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, unveiled the JewelBuzz GJS Diwali Edition Special Issue, featuring Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, on the cover.
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