Team Herald
PANJIM: As India will be hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, the first ever FIFA tournament to be held in India, The All India Football Federation president Praful Patel dubbed it to be a ‘milestone for Indian Football’.
“The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a new chapter in the history of Indian Football. It will truly be a success and we need to make sure that it is one of the best FIFA tournaments ever held in the world,” he said.
“The passion for football has the ability to take us forward from the U-17 World Cup and we need to capitalize on that,” he added.
Praful was speaking at the unveiling of the new look AIFF logo.
“The All India Football Federation is 75 year-old and when you get older, you need to look young. So we thought that it’s time that AIFF gets new logo,” said Paful after the launch.
Patel described the new logo as ‘it’s contemporary’ and one which represent India.
“The new logo is contemporary. It’s got the energy, it represents India. In the earlier logo, we really had to scrounge and find out where India was written,” he briefed.
Praful expressed his joy over the good beginning made during the ongoing AFC U-16 Championship.
“All the people sitting here have every reason to smile. It will be a great final, a great tournament and we will be remembered. We made a good beginning,” added Patel.
He expressed his desire to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in near future.
“This is the U-17 World Cup and we have to grow bigger. Now we have to move to U-20 and we look forward to FIFA U-20 World Cup,” Patel said. Patel also acknowledged the government for their constant support for the development of the beautiful game.
“The Government of India remains committed to see that football is one of the most important sporting events to be in India’s calendar. And therefore we acknowledge the presence of our minister to be part of the ceremony,” Patel added.
Meanwhile Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs (independent charge) Vijay Goel said, ‘FIFA U-17 World Cup marks the beginning of India’s football journey.’
“The FIFA U-17 World Cup is golden opportunity to instil in youth the passion for football. And the launch of FIFA U-17 World Cup emblem is the start of India’s football journey,” said Goel.
“Our government has been unwavering in its support for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, ever since it was first allotted to the AIFF in 2013,” he said.
