Home Minister pledges full support to legacy programme

The legacy programme for the FIFA U-17 World Cup - Mission XI Million - received yet another boost as Home Minister Rajnath Singh pledged it full support during the official launch of 'Oorja' CAPF U-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament.

Rajnath pledged his support towards the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the Mission XI Million programme, saying that he felt 'Oorja' would help in spreading the game across the country.

With the support of the Indian government, the Local Organising Committe (LOC), through the Mission XI Million initiative, intend to engage with 11 million kids leading upto the mega event.

Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee, Javier Ceppi highlighted the support given by the government.

He said, "We are appreciative to the ministry of home affairs for their support by launching this competition that will integrate into Mission XI Million and help take football to every nook and corner of India.

Decorated athletes such as wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Babita Phogat, cricket legend Kapil Dev, badminton coach P Gopichand, boxer MC Mary Kom and former football stars Bhaichung Bhutia and IM Vijayan pledged their support for the beautiful game.

The tournament will start on October 6.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)