The FIFA U-17 World Cup is less than 40 days away and the country is gearing up for the global tournament as this is the first time India will be hosting FIFA tournament and the authorities are making sure everything goes according to the plan.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel provided a unique opportunity to slum children from across Delhi to witness the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy displayed at his residence. The children were also gifted footballs during the event.

Sports Minister said that the Prime Minister always encouraged sports with the motto KhelogeTokhiloge. He further added that it has inspired to initiate Mission 11 Million programme, which aims to take football to 11 million kids across the country through 15, 000 schools. So far, 8 million kids have been reached via 12, 000 schools across the country with competitions and mini-football fests.

These gems from various #Delhi slums got the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the #FIFAU17WC trophy & also received footballs. pic.twitter.com/RRHaqEUPpy

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) August 25, 2017

The Sports Minister also said that various Chief Ministers will be urged to take up mass football distribution in their respective states to popularize football. He also stated that school students in Delhi will get to watch India’s Delhi matches for free and will discuss the same with authorities from the other venues/cities too. “India has been doing well in recent times and we will continue to support our players in every possible way”, the Minister pointed out.

The Sports Minister claimed that he visited all the venues that are going to host the upcoming World Cup to check the preparedness and also stated that India is keen and willing to host other FIFA tournament in the future. The FIFA U17 World Cup will be played between October 6 and October 28, 2017.The final will be held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 28, 2017.