Union Ministers, former Chief Minister compete in Northeast in first phase of election
Among the contenders, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stands as a formidable force, vying for the Arunachal West seat.
The government “will provide extra financial help wherever it’s possible” for Indian football, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday.
“We have seen certain improvements in our men’s, as well as women’s football, in recent times. From the Sports Ministry, we will provide extra financial help wherever it’s possible to scout, and nurture young talents as well as for the professional training, and other events,” Rijiju said in an exclusive video interview with www.the-aiff.com.
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Intercontinental Cup.
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“The Ministry of Sports will provide whatever is required for better training, coaching, facilities, and other demands and requirements whichever will be placed by the AIFF, said Rijiju, adding, “We’ll always be there. I’m very enthusiastic about supporting any kind of sport in India, and football is very special to me.”
The minister also heaped praise on the Indian women’s team for their recent rise in the FIFA rankings which were released on 12 July.
“I must compliment the women’s team for rising to 57 in the FIFA Rankings recently. That’s a huge jump. I’m very confident that the standard of the women’s team will rise further,” he said.
“Football is the biggest game in terms of popularity, reach, size. We also have to put a lot of effort to improve our football. Be it a village or a city, football is a game which can be played anywhere. I’m very hopeful that the standard of Indian Football will rise in the years to come.”
Rijiju on Thursday also took to Twitter to extend his support to the Indian football team.
“I could see huge potentials in our @IndianFootball and Ministry of Sports will provide necessary assistance to the #IndianFotball wherever possible.#BackTheBlue,” wrote the Sports Minister on the microblogging site.
I could see huge potentials in our @IndianFootball and Ministry of Sports will provide necessary assistance to the #IndianFotball⚽️ wherever possible. #BackTheBlue 💙 pic.twitter.com/maUEYak4sB
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 18, 2019
(With inputs from IANS)
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