Two years ago, when the final whistle went off in the final of the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile between Nigeria and Mali, which Nigeria won comfortably, the countdown and preparations began in India to host 2017 World Cup.
On Saturday night, AIFF president Praful Patel, General Secretary Kushal Das along with AFC president Sheikh Salman, former Indian football team captain during 1950’s, Chuni Goswami, iconic football player which India produced for upcoming footballers Baichung Bhutia, current captain Sunil Chhetri and bollywood celebrities Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, two avid football lovers passed on the baton (ball used in Chile finale) to U-17 captain Amarjit Singh to officially launch the preparations for the U-17 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the occasion, AIFF president Praful Patel said that, “It’s not just this; in coming years we will look to host much more big events than this like U-20 WC, Club WC. We don’t stop here.” He added that Indian football just cannot change overnight. It’s a process and I think we will slowly get there. We have to develop the talent at young age and that is what we are doing. Yes, there are some shortcomings but we are trying to sabotage those problems.”
Baichung Bhutia who has played 103 games in colour of Blue and has scored more than 40 goals in his career expressed his happiness over India hosting such a massive tournament. “I am really happy that FIFA has given us this opportunity to host this event. These young players don’t know what lies ahead of them. They should make the most of it. It’s their time now,” said the former Indian captain.
Current captain Sunil Chhetri also expressed his joy by saying, “I actually feel jealous seeing all those players playing in the WC, but I will not. (laughs). The best players in the world are going to be here and they are the one who are going to rub their shoulders against them.”
The dates for the tournament are towards the end of September, 2017 till end of October. The tournament will be for 23-25 days approximately, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.