Prime Minister Narendra Modi is well known for his political and tactical acumen. However, this time around, he has won hearts by letting out a passionate outcry for the development of football in India. Moreover, he wishes to see the upcoming Fifa U-17 World Cup act as a ‘tipping point’ for the game in India. Read on to find out more!
PM Narendra Modi’s statement
Throwing his weight behind the upcoming competition, PM Modi said, “India is going to host the Fifa U-17 World Cup. However, successful hosting of the event alone cannot be our final objective. Also, the Fifa U-17 World Cup must be a catalyst for change, the tipping point for football in India. This can be done through a mass movement only.”
In his statement posted on the official website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), PM Modi has clearly called upon India’s support for this marquee event. “The objective is to give an opportunity to every child in the country to play football” he said.
Mission XI Million
Mission XI Million, a legacy programme of the Fifa U-17 World Cup was initiated as a school contact initiative. This in the leadup to the actual event in October, will turn to India’s biggest outreach sporting activity ever. The Prime Minister has already mentioned this ‘mass movement’ in his regular radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ last year.
“Mission XI Million will take the beautiful game of football to at least 11 million boys and girls around the country. Children in every state, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh will get a chance to learn, play and enjoy football. More than 15,000 schools around the country will be partners in this.”
PM’s request to the nation; tournament director elated
PM Modi requested every parent and teacher to provide much needed support.”We need the support not just of children but also of every parent and every teacher to encourage boys and girls to play football and develop both skill and fitness. I am confident that these children will take Indian football to its rightful place in the world.”
Tournament director for the Fifa U-17 World Cup, Javier Ceppi is elated at this show of support and backing. In addition, he said, “We have been working very hard on making this a success. This backing from Prime Minster Modi will only strengthen our resolve to help change Indian football.”
