New Delhi: The Government of India on Thursday pledged full support to All India Football Federation (AIFF) for hosting the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and also urged the private sector to help in strengthening the existing football base in the country.
At FICCI's 'Goal 2015', the 3rd International Convention on Football Business, which kicked off here on Thursday, Vivek Narain, Director, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said that the Government will extend all possible help to the AIFF for successfully conducting U-17 Football World Cup, for which it has earmarked Rs 95 crore.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das, meanwhile, described three monumental events -- the strengthening of the I-League, launch of the Indian Super League and planning under way for India to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup -- as "game changers" for the Indian football.
Narain also said that the Government was looking for active participation from the private sector for beefing up the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). NSDF has been established for mobilising resources from non-government resources, including private/public sector and non-resident Indians for the promotion of sports and games in the country.
Sanjiv Paul, Chairman, FICCI Sports Committee, said that Indian football is ushering in a new dawn with Indian Super League seemed to have injected a fresh energy into the system.
"As per our estimates, more than 20 lakh players play the game across the country. Thus lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach out and connect," he said. On the occasion, the 'India Football Yearbook 2014' brought out by FICCI and Libero Sports, was also released.
The yearbook highlights some of the key events, achievements and innovations experienced within the football industry throughout 2014. It gives insights into India's rapidly growing football industry and is aimed at helping decision makers to shape the future of India's football ecosystem.
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