FIFA U17 Women's World Cup to be held for the first time in India

The Union Cabinet chaired by the PM Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, approved the Signing of Guarantees for hosting Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under 17 Women's World Cup 2022 in India.

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 is scheduled to be held in India between October 11-30, 2022. The seventh edition of the biennial youth tournament will be the first-ever FIFA women's competition to be hosted by India. Carrying on the positive legacy from the FIFA Under-17 Men's World Cup 2017, the nation is preparing for a seminal moment for women's football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy.

As per reports, a financial outlay of INR 10 crore assistance to All India Football Federation (AIFF) for Field of play Maintenance, Stadium power, Energy & Cabling, Stadia & Training Site Branding etc. will be met from the budgetary allocation for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

Officials have informed that the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 has potential to strengthen women's football in the country. Carrying on the positive legacy from the FIFA Under 17 Men's World Cup 2017, the nation is preparing for a seminal moment for women's football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy. 

Other objectives contemplated in order to leave behind a positive legacy include an increased representation of women in football leadership and decision-making bodies, inspiring more girls to play football in India, advocating for gender-inclusive participation by normalising the concept of equal game from a young age, providing opportunity to improve football standards for women in India and improving the commercial value of the women's game.

The FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup is a prestigious event and would be held for the first time in India. The event will not only promote football as sport of choice among Indian girls, but is also poised to leave a lasting legacy that will facilitate girls and women in the country to embrace football and sports in general.

The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup started in 2008 and is traditionally held in even-numbered years. The 6th edition of the event was held in Uruguay from November 13 to December 1, 2018. Spain is the current champion of FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup. 

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 will be the 7th edition of the tournament in which 16 teams, including India, will participate. The AIFF has proposed holding of the competition matches in 3 venues such as Bhubaneshwar; Navi Mumbai and Goa.