NEW DELHI (India): India will have an extra venue to the traditional four when it hosts the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup from November 2 to 21.
FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Sarai Bareman said, “It’s a massive step forward for the game in India.”
Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Navi Mumbai will be the venues for the event.
“There is unlimited potential for football to grow in India. There is amazing passion too. We have picked venues that offer best logistics and sporting facilities and the platform for the players to perform,” said Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Speaking on the occasion, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel, who is also a member of the FIFA Council, said, “India has proved in 2017 (FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup) that it can be a great host. We had done a professional job. This event will be a great impetus to Indian football and also prove that gender equality is here to stay.”
“We want football to grow outside of the traditional area. North-east has become the epicentre of the game in the country. We look forward to bring the Under-20 and Club World Cup tournaments in the near future,” Patel added.
Applauding the Indian girls’ effort, Bareman said, “It’s an incredible result against an European team. There are few countries with professional leagues for women. Women are not paid to play football. India should look at the positives from the under-17 women’s tournament.”
The final of the tournament will be held at Navi Mumbai.
