As the whole nation of India is busy promoting the beautiful game and trying to get global attention in the sport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the FIFA U-17 World Cup that is set to kick-off in India next year on his national talk show ‘Mann Ki Baat’ (The Mind’s Opinion).

The Prime Minister addressed the Indian people on the need and importance of growth of different sports in India and that football is one the popularity of which is growing day by day. After getting an overwhelming response in the first two seasons of the Indian Super League and hosting the Premier League’s themed fan park, Barclays Premier League Live in Mumbai, football has immensely grown in India in the past couple of years.

Hence FIFA awarded the country to take charge of the U-17 World Cup that is to take place in 2017, giving them another boost as a way to promote football throughout the country. He specified about the early days when the Indian team were a good side in football, but the scenario has changed now and its something that needs to be worked on.

India had a good run in football earlier but that is not the case now. Our rankings are also very low: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 27, 2016

The Indian sports fanbase is gradually shifting towards to football but only in the urban cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. A lot of efforts are being taken to spread the game in the rural parts as India are attempting to be participating in the forthcoming 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 is a big chance to present the Indian brand on the global level. He pointed out that young Indians in particular enjoy watching European competitions such as the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

I see that our youth is enjoying football like EPL. Its important to take football to every village & FIFA U-17 is a great opportunity: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 27, 2016

“It is an opportunity for us to instil our youth with passion of football. Due to the tournament that we are hosting, we will get an opportunity to create good sporting infrastructure also. I believe that FIFA Under-17 World Cup is a big chance for us to present brand of India on global level,” he said. “We must make efforts to see to it, football reaches every corner of country. It is a golden opportunity to establish the country’s identity in the world. I would like every youth of the country to become ambassador of 2017 FIFA Under-17,” he added.

The U-17 World Cup would strengthen the sporting infrastructure in India, which is a basic necessity for a country to develop in the sports marketing world. The tournament will be India’s first test in football when it comes to hosting such international events. Thus all eyes will be on this mega event next year as the game’s future stars will be making their first major appearances as international players.