AIFF unveils official ball for U-17 World Cup

The FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign will be held in India which is a great initiative and a boost for the development of the sport in the country. Recently, the FIFA U-17 World Cup ball was unveiled in the capital city of Delhi amidst a grand ceremony. The preparation for the football extravaganza is in full swing and the ball was handed to the AIFF President Praful Patel by none other than the President of the Asian Football Confederation Sheikh Salman. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken several measures for the development of the sport in the country. It is a dream because India is not recognized as a footballing nation in the world.

We were the champions of Asia in the 1950's and 60's and we qualified to play the World Cup in 1950, but the Indian team opted out since playing without boots was not allowed. So, we missed the bus and were left way behind. It's high time we pull up our socks and it is very important that India as a nation does well,” said Patel at a media gathering.

He added that a club’s success in the Indian Super League (ISL) or the I-League wouldn’t help build India’s reputation as a footballing nation unless the national teams perform well.

“If a NorthEast United does well or Chennaiyin FC does well that is part of the story, but it will never be complete unless India does well. At All India Football Federation, we receive so much of hate mails and brickbats and I don't blame anybody for that. 

But we must also understand that we cannot transform overnight. It will have to be a process. Chuni Da (Goswami) or Bhaichung (Bhutia) or Sunil (Chhetri) will acknowledge this fact. The coaches can play with what's available,” he mentioned.

It is a massive opportunity for the Indian youngsters as they are getting an opportunity to play the World Cup at an early age. The stage has been set for them to perform and impress by playing quality football. 

“We have to take care of the players from an early age, so that we can make them the stars of the future. That is exactly what AIFF is doing. There are many shortcomings and many complications - we acknowledge that.

We are thankful to FIFA for having granted the World Cup to us. We are the host nation and we get an automatic entry in the tournament. That is why we thought that it would be a great opportunity to play the World Cup and what better than to play it on our home soil and what better to have the youngsters coming up and play this game,” he said. Under the Praful Patel biography Indian football has achieved a lot in the past few years. 

Author Bio: As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has taken several steps for the development of the sports in the country. Under the Praful Patel biography, India will host the FIFAU-17 World Cup.