Ahmedabad: Bollywood actor and co-owner of FC Pune City believes that the year 2017 can be a watershed moment in history of Indian football as the nation gears up to host its first event FIFA World Cup.
The Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Kaabil actor who attended the Mission XI Million Program in Ahmedabad interacted with 6000 kids as a part of the festival hosted by the All India Football Federation and Government of India.
Expanding on the initiative, actor and part owner, FC Pune City Hrithik Roshan said, “I am delighted to be here for the Mission XI Million festival. To reach out to 11 million children is ambitious, which is what makes this wonderful initiative even more brilliant. With the FIFA U-17 World Cup also happening this year, I think this year could really be a watershed moment in Indian sports and football”
The Mission XI Million program has already reached out to over 1.7 million kids already from all corners of the country with an aim to introduce the game of football to 11 million children before FIFA U-17 World Cup begins on October 6th.
The Arena by TransStadia was buzzing with excitement and fandom as kids from Ahmedabad got a chance to meet their Bollywood as well as footballing hero as former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia too interacted with the 6000 kids present at the event.
Speaking at the festival, President AIFF and Chairman of the LOC for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, Praful Patel said, “Mission XI Million has managed to take the game out to the masses of the country. While it’s very heartening to see them embrace the game, it also bestows additional responsibility upon us to develop the game further. (PR)