NEW DELHI: All states and Union Territories have been urged 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, Department of Sports secretary Rajiv Yadav 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 Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Mann ki Baat' programme on 27 March, the letter said that Modi had called for building an atmosphere and fervour 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 said that following the call of the Prime Minister, the Department of Sports had 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 stakeholders 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 this year.