Union Sports Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju interacted with members of the Indian Women’s U-17 Football team and motivated and encouraged them to keep their morale high in the aftermath of the Women’s U-17 World Cup being cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shri Rijiju was joined in the virtual webinar by members of the Indian U-17 Football team from various parts of the country, also joining in the webinar was AIFF President Praful Patel; Head coach, women’s U-17 team Thomas Dennerby and DG-Sports Authority of India Sandip Pradhan.
Union Sports Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju said, “Though the U-17 players are disappointed, they should not let their energy and spirit drop. Their lives have just started and it is not their fault that the World Cup is not taking place this year. I thank the AIFF for ensuring that India remains the host for the 2022 edition. While I am upset that some members of the current team will not play the 2022 World Cup due to age, they need not worry as they will get the opportunity to play the U-20 World Cup and eventually make a breakthrough into the senior team. I am very confident that the women’s football team will soon qualify for the Senior World Cup. India has to do everything to promote football.”