Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today met world football body FIFA officials regarding the progress in the preparations for the 2017 Under-17 World Cup which India is hosting.
"Sonowal met FIFA officials who had come for stadium inspection for the upcoming U-17 FIFA World Cup, 2017 along with the AIFF officials at Nehru Stadium. They discussed briefly regarding the progress of the development towards hosting the event for the first time in India," a release from the Sports Authority of India said.
"Sonowal assured full support of the Ministry and will have a detailed discussion with the officials at a later date. So far, 7 venues have been confirmed to host the matches," the release added.
Earlier, Sonowal inaugurated the 19th IBSA National Sports Meet for the Blind at the stadium.
Over 60 teams of blind sportspersons from 14 states are participating in the four-day event. The meet is the largest national sports event for the blind in the country and is held every two years. This year's meet will have 600 participants, including officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, "It is really a matter of pride that National Blind Sports Association is contributing towards bringing the visually impaired youth in the main-stream of the society through sports. I am sure that through sports, the young people will prove their mettle and achieve excellence not only in the field of sports but also in other professions."
"I assure you that my Ministry will extend all support to sports and youth activities for 'differently abled' people with equal vigour and zeal," he added.
