Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju interacted with members of the Indian Women’s U-17 Football team and motivated 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. Rijiju was joined at the virtual webinar by members of the Indian U-17 Football team from various parts of the country.
Also joining at the webinar was AIFF President Praful Patel; Head coach, women’s U-17 team, Thomas Dennerby, and DG-Sports Authority of India Sandip Pradhan.
The Women’s U-17 World Cup was scheduled to take place this year hosted by India, but got pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic and was scheduled for February-March 2021. Eventually, the tournament got cancelled and the next edition in 2022 will be hosted by India. This will be a setback for some of the football players who will cross the age of 17 before the 2022 World Cup and thus become ineligible for the tournament. However, Rijiju asked them to remain positive and start preparing for the U-20 World Cup and U-20 AFC Asian Cup both of which will take place in 2022, according to a PIB release.
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.”
AIFF President Praful Patel while disappointed about the World Cup not taking place this year, expressed hope about the 2022 edition and a roadmap to ensure that the players peak by the 2026 Asian Games and 2027 World Cup.