The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for holding of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 World Cup to be held in India in 2017. It is likely to be held in the month of September -October 2017.

• The venues of the game will be, 1-JLN Stadium, New Delhi; 2-D.Y. Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai; 3-JLN Stadium, Kochi; 4-Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata; 5 JLN Stadium, Fatorda Goa and I.G. Stadium Guwahati
• Expenditure towards overlays and equipment including display boards, etc. may be incurred. The total cost, however, will be within Rs.95 crore as approved earlier.
• In the eventuality of any additional requirement of funds, Department of Sports will take up the matter with the Department of Expenditure.
• The Sports Ministry has been authorized to constitute Organizing Committee, for conduct of the event.

In his 18th edition of ‘Mann ki Baat‘, Prime Miniter Narendra Modi addressed the nation about the importance of the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held in India next year.

Did You Know?

The first edition was staged in 1985 in China, and tournaments have been played every two years since then. It began as a competition for players under the age of 16 with the age limit raised to 17 from the 1991 edition onwards. The most recent tournament was hosted by Chile and won by Nigeria.