Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) Secretary General met and interacted with the India U-17 women's national team on Sunday ahead of FIFA U-17 World Cup beginning on Tuesday. Dr Prabhakaran met the players, coaching staff and team officials at their hotel in Bhubaneswar.
India is slated to host the U-17 Women World Cup between Oct 11 and Oct 30 and will also participate in the tournament which will be played in Bhubaneswar, Margao (Goa) and Navi Mumbai.
While talking to the players, Dr Prabhakaran highlighted motivated the girls and expressed his wish for the Indian team to play their best and make the country proud. He also motivated the girls ahead of the tournament.
"The entire country is rooting for you. You need to enjoy the moment," said Dr Prabhakaran.
"You are representing 1.4 billion people. Your performance will be watched live in 140 countries. This is the biggest opportunity for you all to show the world who you are and what you are capable of," he added. He also mentioned that the girls must keep focus and play as per the plan.
"Try your best, and give it all. You should always have in mind a picture of the plan the coach has given you. Keep your focus, it's a launching pad for you all," he said.
Dr Prabhakaran was joined by Avijit Paul, the AIFF Executive Committee. Paul spoke about how everyone can become like their role model -- Bala Devi -- and asked the players to dream big.
"Look at Bala Devi - she went to Europe to play. You can also do it if you dream big. Do nurture a dream to play for top teams in Europe, where thousands of people will watch you from the stands," he said.
When you go back home, people should receive you and give you a warm welcome - perform like that," he concluded.
