Mission 11 Million" to engage more than 11 million children in activities relating to Football to be launched in October, 2016 The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has urged the states and Union Territories to take necessary steps to popularize and promote the sport of Football in their territory in order to make the FIFA U-17 World Cup a huge success, by including Football in various programmes of the State Governments. In a letter sent to all Chief Secretaries of states and Union Territories, the Secretary, Department of Sports Shri Rajiv Yadav has said that FIFA U-17 World Cup is going to be held in India in October, 2017 and it is the first time that this prestigious tournament will be held in India. Referring to Prime Ministers 'Mann ki Baat' programme on 27th March, 2016, the letter said that the Prime Minister has called for building an atmosphere and fervor of Football in the country as a run up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. He wants Football to be played in every nook and corner of the country. The communication further said that following the call of the Prime Minister, the Department of Sports has initiated a series of steps to popularize Football throughout the country. Several rounds of discussion have been held with FIFA, AIFF, KVS, CBSE, Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society and other stake-holders to firm up appropriate programmes. As a result, Mission 11 Million programme has been formulated and will be launched in coordination with FIFA in about 30 cities across the country. The letter said, the primary objective of the programme is to engage more than 11 million children in activities relating to Football. It said, the programme is likely to be launched in October, 2016.
