The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel dubbed the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 as a “new chapter for Indian Football history”.

Speaking at the Official emblem launch of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 at a snazzy hotel in Goa, Mr. Patel said, “The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a very exciting journey for us and I thank all the stakeholders for supporting us and being part of a new chapter in Indian Football history”

“The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a turning point for Indian football, one that enables us to grow bigger in magnitude”, Mr. Patel informed.

The AFC President, Sheikh Salman, who was also present on the occasion meanwhile stated that the AFC U-16 Championship, which is currently being held in Goa (September 15, 2016 to October 02, 2016) is a rehearsal for the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year.

“With each passing event the FIFA U-17 World Cup gets closer and the AFC U-16 Championship is a rehearsal of the World Cup next year”

“The FIFA U-17 World Cup which is being held in India next year is just a beginning or more to come”

Sheikh Salman also praised the performance of the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad which participated in the AFC U-16 Championship and said, “India has taken progressive steps in the last few years and while the results might not be immediately evident, they soon will”

“The performance of the Indian U-16 National Team shows that Football has progressed in India in the last few years”

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vijay Goel touted the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India as a “revolution” for Indian Football and said, “FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India is a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on the growing passion of Football in India”

“We need to make the most of this opportunity and create a revolution which indulges the whole nation in Football”

Commenting on the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad, Goel said, “These seventeen year old boys will be representing each and every Indian who has ever dreamt of playing in a FIFA World Cup”

“1.3 billion people will be cheering their every move and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is ever committed to help them in this attempt by offering several facilities such as Stadias and Training Sites.”

(Report & Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)