Cabinet approves Signing of Guarantees for hosting FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 in India

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 is scheduled to be held in India between 11th and 30th October 2022.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Signing of Guarantees for hosting Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under 17 Women's World Cup 2022 in India.

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 is scheduled to be held in India between 11^th and 30^th October 2022. The seventh edition of the biennial youth tournament will be the first-ever FIFA women's competition to be hosted by India. Carrying on the positive legacy from the FIFA Under-17 Men's World Cup 2017, the nation is preparing for a seminal moment for women's football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy.

Financial outlay:

Financial outlay of Rs. 10 crore assistance to All India Football Federation (AIFF) for Field of play Maintenance, Stadium power, Energy & Cabling, Stadia & Training Site Branding etc. will be met from the budgetary allocation for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

Objectives of the Scheme:

The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 has potential to strengthen women's football in the country.

Carrying on the positive legacy from the FIFA Under 17 Men's World Cup 2017, the nation is preparing for a seminal moment for women's football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy. Following objectives have been contemplated in order to leave behind a positive legacy:

increase representation of women in football leadership and decision-making bodies

inspire more girls to play football in India

advocate for gender-inclusive participation by normalising the concept of equal game from a young age

opportunity to improve football standards for women in India

improve the commercial value of the women's game.

Justification:

The FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup is a prestigious event and would be held for the first time in India. It would encourage more youngsters to participate in sports and help develop the sport of football in India. The event will not only promote football as sport of choice among Indian girls, but is also poised to leave a lasting legacy that will facilitate girls and women in the country to embrace football and sports in general.

(With Inputs from PIB)