GOA: The BRICS U-17 Football Tournament commenced today (5th October 2016) with a grand opening ceremony. The colorful extravaganza was led by a parade of contingents representing the participating nations, followed by an enthralling display of diverse culture of Goa. The torch of friendship was also displayed in relay with the flame of togetherness being lit to kick start the event.
Shri Rajiv Yadav, The Sports Secretary, Govt of India, welcomed the participants and all the respected dignitaries on the dais with his electrifying speech and encouraged young children to participate more in sports.
The honorable Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar welcomed all the foreign participants and all the dignitaries on the dais. He thanked our Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi for selecting goa as the destination for the very first BRICS football tournament. He stated that sports has the power and capability, to bring one and all together and hence can be considered as a religion itself.
Goa is a state where people respect and understand each other’s interest and live in harmony. Similarly the BRICS Tournament is going to ensure togetherness and peace amongst the participating nations, he also stated that football runs in the blood of Goans. He inspired and motivated the youth as well as the young children to keep up the efforts and wished them luck in the future. He also declared the 1st BRICS U-17 Football Tournament officially open.
Shri Vijay Goyal, the Honorable Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge), the chief guest of the day , congratulated the govt. of Goa and the organisers for the grand success of the event stating that it was an honor to be part of this 1st BRICS U-17 Football Tournament in Goa, he said that Goa with its excellent sports infrastructure and pleasant weather was once again in the forefront of the country’s desire to make India a sporting destination of the future. He also reiterated the horoable Prime Minister’s desire to see Football proliferating in every nook and corner of the country and said that this tournament will certainly motivate the youth to play and carry the love for the game to greater heights. Emphasizing the initiatives taken by the sports ministry, he deliberated on Mission 11 million and the improvement in infrastructure available to sports authority of India. The endeavors to encourage sports will see children being given additional marks for their participation in sports. Seeing the enthusiasm on display, the minister stated that the tickets will be complimentary and available on first come first serve basis.
During the press conference after the event, the sports minister also highlighted the initiative being taken to reach out to the budding sports man through a web portal being instituted by MYAS, affording an opportunity for all to interact with ministry. Those with exceptional talent could link up with the ministry on the Talent Search Portal once operational this portal will be effective from next month.
He then wished all the participants the very best for the tournament.