Government Offers Strong Support to AIFF for AFC Asian Cup 2031 Bid, States Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
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Synopsis
The All-India Football Federation has formally proposed to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031, gaining recognition from the Asian Football Confederation during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the government's backing and the importance of this event in enhancing India's sports landscape.
Key Takeaways
- AIFF's bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031 has been officially submitted.
- The bid has received recognition from the AFC during their Annual General Body meeting.
- Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the government's support for the initiative.
- Hosting the tournament can significantly impact India's sports infrastructure.
- AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed optimism about preparing for the tournament.
New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially submitted a proposal to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031, a significant step that would welcome the continent's football elite to India. This bid has been acknowledged by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) during its Annual General Body meeting at the 35th AFC Congress held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday.
The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, expressed his endorsement upon learning of India's bid. He remarked, “Hosting major sporting events has a profound and lasting impact on a nation’s sports ecosystem and infrastructure.
“Sports can serve as a powerful testimony of India’s rising global stature. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the forefront of India's visionary bid to host the 2036 Olympics. There is also an increasing momentum behind India's aspiration to once again host the Commonwealth Games.
Mandaviya further conveyed the government's backing, stating, “Given football’s immense popularity across the country, it is only natural that we are pursuing the opportunity to host the AFC Asian Cup. The government extends its strong support to the All India Football Federation’s bid to bring Asia’s most prestigious football event to India. If we succeed, I am confident that this will significantly uplift football in the country.”
From Kuala Lumpur, where he participated in the 35th AFC Congress, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed contentment over the government’s robust support for their bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031. He stated, “The Asian Cup is the premier football tournament in Asia, and it is crucial for India as a nation to exhibit our capabilities, not only to Asia but to the global audience.
“The 2027 tournament would have been too soon for us, so we didn’t advocate for it. However, with six years remaining to prepare for the 2031 Asian Cup, we have ample time to rise to the challenge of competing against the best in Asia,” he noted.
