A curtain raiser function was held in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today for FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 to be held in India from 6th to 28th October, 2017. The Trophy for FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 was also displayed at the stadium. The objective of the programme was to promote football in India, especially among children and youth.
Secretary, Sports Shri Injeti Srinivas, Tournament Director FIFA U-17 World Cup Shri Javier Ceppi were present at the function. The function was held under Mission 11 Million (MXIM) program. MXIM is the joint program of FIFA, AIFF and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to promote football among 11 million school children in India.
Around 7000 school students of Delhi did march past and gave a cultural performance on the theme of sports, specially football in the presence of President, Action Committee of Private Un-Aided Recognized Schools Shri S.K. Bhattacharya.
Earlier in the morning a football festival was held in which around 1000 school students were taught football techniques to mark the occasion.
