THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner’s Trophy unveiled in Kochi

FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner’s Trophy unveiled in Kochi (Photo courtesy: FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017)

Honourable Minister for Industries, Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Kerala, Shri A.C. Moideen unveiled the Winner’s Trophy of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 today at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, in front of enthusiastic Keralites.

Present on the occasion were P. T. Thomas (Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly), T J Vinod (Deputy Mayor Kochi Municipal Corporation), K. M. I. Mather (President of Kerala Football Association), C N Mohanan (GCDA Chairman), Joy Bhattacharjya (Project Director of the LOC, FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017) and other dignitaries including former international players.

“FIFA U-17 World Cup would be a great leap in the football development of Kerala, which is now is 100% ready to welcome the World Cup extravaganza. We are getting ready with world class infrastructure facilities.

“Before the tournament kicks off, we are going to have various kind of promotional activities throughout the state including celebrity football match, one million goals, along with other activities,” said Moideen.

The vibrant, rich and colourful cultural heritage of the Kerala was on display at the stadium in front of a large crowd that gathered to participate and kick-start the Trophy Experience in Kochi.

On Saturday, 23rd September, the Winner’s Trophy will be placed at Ambedkar Stadium at a Mission XI Million festival between 9:30 am and 1 pm.

Concluding the Trophy Experience in India, Fort Kochi will host the Trophy on Sunday, 24th September between 3 and 8 pm.

The Trophy Experience will give football-loving Keralite fans a unique opportunity to come and witness the prestigious FIFA U-17 World Cup which will be lifted by the winning team on 28th October in Kolkata.

Kochi will kick-off the first FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 match on October 7, with the enticing tie between Brazil and Spain scheduled at 5 pm.

India is hosting a FIFA World Cup for the first time, and the team will be participating in the tournament, which begins on October 6 in Navi Mumbai and Delhi.

The six venues are Navi Mumbai, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Kochi and Goa. Tickets for matches can be bought at www.fifa.com/india2017/ticketing.

(FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017)