FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks start today, India to take on USA
In the first match, New Zealand will play against Turkey while India will take on the USA in the second tie of the day at the national capital.
Meanwhile, several sports personalities have wished the U-17 Indian football team for the inaugural match in the tournament.
In a video posted on Twitter, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said: "India have an opportunity to show something great both on and off the field. Off the field, India have a chance to play the role of brilliant host while on the field we will have to show our competitiveness."
"I am so sure that the boys are going to go out and give their best. Come on India!...All the very best boys" he added.
My best wishes to the @IndianFootball U-17 team for the World Cup! Enjoy your game & chase your dreams because dreams do come true! @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/lrqgX1olD5
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 5, 2017
India's senior football team captain, Sunil Chhetri, said: "Over the next one month, we're giving up that privilege as we turn fans of the first ever Indian team to play a football World Cup."
"It's a chance that most of us on the squad will almost certainly never get and you have to forgive us for being jealous of you. But pride is the bigger feeling here. We're not going to give you wisdom about dealing with pressure or taking none of it. You've trained hard and this is your time. Take the stage, we'll take the stands. Come on, India!" the Indian captain said.
Twitter/@bengalurufc
Former Indian football team captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, also wished luck to the men-in-blue.
Finally, the World Cup is here. Good luck boys! pic.twitter.com/UGyir17ei9
— Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) October 6, 2017
Wishing good luck to the Indian team, president Ram Nath Kovind tweeted: "Happy India is hosting FIFA U-17 World Cup beginning today. Good luck to all the teams, with an extra slice for our boys!"
Happy India is hosting FIFA U-17 World Cup beginning today. Good luck to all the teams, with an extra slice for our boys! #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 6, 2017
Welcoming the visiting nations to the country, prime minister Narendra Modi said:"A warm welcome and best wishes to all teams taking part in the @FIFAcom. I am sure #FIFAU17WC will be a treat for football lovers."
A warm welcome and best wishes to all teams taking part in the @FIFAcom. I am sure #FIFAU17WC will be a treat for football lovers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2017
A total of 52 matches will be played in six venues like New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, Guwahati and Kochi.
The 24 teams, divided in six groups of four, will participate in the tournament.
The competition was founded by FIFA in 1985 as the U-16 World Championship. Later, the name of the tournament was changed to FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007.
The 17th edition of the tournament will kick start in India from Friday.
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