Rajiv Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, on Wednesday informed that the government of India has launched a program, 'Mission 11 Million', to promote football at the grassroots level in the country.
"Our ministry aims to encourage a crore and 10 lakhs (11 million) school kids to play football by October 2017 through the Mission 11 Million programme, which has been launched earlier this month," said Rajiv Yadav.
Speaking at the launch of the third season of STAIRS Football league (SSFl) at Thyagaraj Sports Complex, Yadav further added that the ministry is planning to implement 5% reservation for sportspersons in government jobs to address the job security-related anxiety many have in this country. "The ministry is considering bringing in 5% reservation for sportspersons in government jobs," responded Rajiv when asked about some apprehensions that players have about sports being a career option.
Hailing the school-based league, Vijay Goel, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, who was also present at the occasion said the competition is perfectly in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of 'Khelo India' program aimed at development of sports in the country.
Meanwhile, former Sri lanka cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuria, who is also the brand ambassador of the SSFl, said, "I am really honoured to be a part of this noble cause and I wish India well in their endeavour to be a major footballing force in times to come."
In its third year now, the competition will see more than 30,000 school level footballers from 2000 schools of Delhi and Gujarat participating in tournament starting on Thursday.