Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel graced Mission XI Million Programme held today at the A.R. Ground, Aizawl. Speaking at the programme, the Minister reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s enthusiasm to promote football in India. 

Shri Vijay Goel stated that through Mission XI Million Programme the government intends to reach 15,000 plus schools and 11 million children out of which more than 15% schools have been covered so far. He said that the Prime Minister wishes to develop and nurture the talents of young boys and girls in all kinds of sport disciplines throughout the country. 

Mizoram’s Education Minister Pu H.Rohluna also stated that the State government is taking all possible steps to promote football in Mizoram under the able leadership of Chief Minister Pu Lal Thanhawla, Sports Minister Pu Zodintluanga and Mizoram Football Association President Pu Lal Thanzara, who is also a Minister in the State government. He expressed his gratitude towards the Central Government in selecting Aizawl as one of the cities where this programme is being carried out. 

Mission XI Million Programme was formally launched by the Central Government on 10th February, 2017. Closely associated with the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup which India will be hosting in October, this year, the programme targets at least 11 million students all over India by way of organising workshops, seminars, competitions and other programmes across the country.  Aizawl has been chosen as one of the thirty one cities where such programmes are being organized. A joint initiative undertaken by the Central Government in association with All India Football Federation (AIFF), the project hopes to promote football culture among the general masses and to instill passion for football in 11 million children from every part of the country. 

The Union Sports Minister was joined by the State’s Education Minister Pu H.Rohluna, Minister for Sports & Youth Services Pu Zodintluanga, Parliamentary Secretary Pu Hmingdailova Khiangte, big names in Indian football like Jeje Lalpekhlua, Robert Lalthlamuana and S.Malsawmtluanga, executive members of the Mizoram Football Association  and several other dignitaries.