 |
| Shaikh Salman, Nita Ambani and Praful Patel at the inauguration of newly renovated Cooperage Stadium, Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media Team |
Under FIFA’s ‘Win in India, With India’ Project, newly renovated Cooperage stadium of Mumbai was inaugurated by Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, President of Asian Football Confederation(AFC) in the presence of Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Indian Super League(ISL), and Mr. Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation(AIFF) alongside some renowned names.
AFC president Shaikh Salman was quoted saying,“It is a great honour for me to be here standing on this Football ground. I know that India has a lot to contribute for the game and under the leadership of Mr. Praful Patel, AIFF has been targeting the right areas to promote the Sport in India and the Asian Football Confederation will be continuing to support them. AFC and FIFA are confident that the successful hosting of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be further boosting the development of Football in the Country"
Nita Ambani also expressed her joy, "This is a wonderful Stadium. This Stadium has been the Ambassador for Mumbai Football and has been synonymous with Mumbai’s Football. My heartiest congratulations to WIFA and Mr. Praful Patel".
Thanking FIFA and AFC for their contributions to Indian Football, AIFF President, Mr. Praful Patel said, "FIFA and out AFC have contributed immensely to the rebirth of Football in our Country. India was always a great Football Playing Nation. On the occasion of the recently held 60th Anniversary of AFC, Shaikh Salman honoured India as one of the 12 founding members of the AFC."
"This ground has a history of over 127 years. This ground was in existence prior to all settling down. There is no reason as to why there should be a stoppage in the growth of Football. FIFA has spent over 2 million USD to get this Stadium ready. I urge all to support the cause of Football in the City and in the Country," Mr. Praful Patel added.
Praful Patel went on to say,"Football in India is developing for sure. The inaugural edition of the Indian Super League was already the highest watched League in Asia within the first six weeks itself. Our next commitment stays to improve the FIFA Rankings of the National Team. I can assure you that with the support of all stakeholders, many a talented Footballer would like to make a career out of Football. If India are to make it big in International Football, it can only be achieved through a robust Grassroots Development Programme. And as far as it is concerned, I can tell you that FIFA, AFC, AIFF, Mrs. Nita Ambani, IMG-R and all are committed on the same."
0 comments:
Post a Comment