New Delhi, Sep 10: FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday hosted a meeting in Doha, Qatar, to welcome All India Football Federation’s newly elected president Kalyan Chaubey and discussed issues regarding the game in India.
“The two Presidents discussed infrastructure, grassroots and women’s football development in India,” the AIFF said in a statement
A wide range of plans regarding the development of men’s, women’s, youth and grassroots development figured in the deliberations.
After being elected as the president on September 2, Chaubey – a former professional football player, has announced that he would focus on infrastructure, grassroots and women’s football.
“FIFA’s support is very essential, as they help to promote the sport in India,” Chaubey said.
“I am honoured that he has given his stamp and I’m happy and looking forward to FIFA and the All India Football Federation working together to take Indian football to the international level. Infantino has been really supportive and encouraging, and I hope that we will go a long, long way.” Chaubey was quoted as saying.
The AIFF is in the final stages of its preparations to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022, which will be played in three cities and kicks off on October 11. The final would be played on October 30.
In 2017, India hosted a record-breaking men’s edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup – in which more than 1.2 million people attended the games.
Infantino received an update on the preparations ahead of the 16-team tournament.
“The All India Football Federation, allied with the Government of India, has identified 40 places, 40 cities and areas where this FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup replica will be taken,” Chaubey said.
