FIFA U17 World Cup a great opportunity to popularise football in India: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of India hosting the FIFA U17 World Cup next year, during his 'Mann ki Baat' address on Sunday, 27 March.

Stating that there was a renewed interest in sports other than cricket in India, Modi said that it was 'time to herald a new time for sports'.

"I see that our youth is enjoying football like EPL (English Premier League). It's important to take football to every village and the FIFA U17 World Cup is a great opportunity," he said.

"There is a renewed interest in football in India. But should we satisfied by just hosting it? Or should we do more? We must strive to reach football to every nook and corner of the country. The World Cup is an opportunity to instill in our youth the passion and fervour for football," he added.

Saying that the tournament would help in improving the existing sporting infrastructure, Modi asked for suggestions for branding India on a global scale.

"I would like every youth of the country to become ambassador of 2017 FIFA Under-17," he further said.