With India hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup from October this year, Central Armed Police Forces viz. BSF, SSB, ITBP, CRPF, CISF and Assam Rifles, under the aegis of All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) are organising the event in the country.
The Rs 20 lakhs prize money tournament will be held in three phases and it will culminate with the finals in the capital on July 25.
"Even in disturbed areas of India, we need to use football to channelise their energy and bring peace to the regions," he added.
Eminent sports personalities, including 1983 World Cup winning cricket captain Kapil Dev, 2001 All England Champion and chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, two-time Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar, five-time World Champion Mary Kom and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia were present during the event.
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The logo and the mascot -- a lion cub called 'Gabru', was also unveiled during the event, while Sukhwinder Singh performed the tournament anthem in his unique voice.
Kapil Dev, who is the brand ambassador of the tournament, said: "I salute the initiative, it is a big responsibility. I think it is time we take more interest in sports. I have played cricket but sports is not just cricket. We can only play when there will be playgrounds.
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