The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, on Saturday launched the official host city logo of the state for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022, for which it is one of the three hosts.
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022, scheduled to be held between October 11 and October 30 across Odisha, Goa and Maharashtra, will be the first FIFA women's competition to be held in India and the first FIFA competition to be hosted by the state of Odisha.
Expressing his delight at the launch event, Naveen Patnaik said, "Odisha is emerging as a leading sports destination and hosting the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 is a momentous opportunity for our state."
"The official Host City Logo launch of Odisha is an important milestone which also signifies the progress of women's football. We are excited to host the best young female footballers from across the world and especially, the Indian team who will be playing all their group stage games at the Kalinga Stadium."
"As the Indian team makes their first appearance in a FIFA women's competition, I encourage the people of Odisha to show their support in strong numbers at the stadium."
The official Host City Logo of Odisha is a composite that presents the official emblem of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 beside a specially designed artwork that showcases the rich cultural heritage, vibrant sporting ecosystem and overall splendour of the state.
Project Directors of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament, Ankush Arora and Nandini Arora, also conveyed their sentiments of gratitude, while encouraging the people to visit the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
"The state of Odisha has been forthcoming, proactive and generous with their support, time and initiatives. We are very thankful to the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and all other stakeholders who have left no stone unturned in preparing to successfully conduct the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022."
"It gives us great pleasure that everyone remains aligned in their vision of making sure all participating nations enjoy great hospitality as they ready themselves to enthral audiences with their skill and talent. This youth World Cup is also a wonderful opportunity for the people to watch the best young international footballers live from the stadium and show support for women's football, which is fast progressing," said LOC Project Directors, Nandini Arora and Ankush Arora, in a joint statement.
The event also inaugurated a special initiative for school children called the 'Kick Off The Dream Football' carnival. This carnival, aimed at introducing football to children and leveraging its power to normalize gender-inclusive participation, features fun football-themed games and activities as well as one five-a-side football pitch and two three-a-side football pitches. The Kick Off the Dream Football Carnival will engage nearly 60,000 school children over 35 days and conclude on 17th October 2022.
Hosts India - drawn alongside USA, Morocco and Brazil - will be playing all of their group stage games at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, and the tickets for the games can be purchased from fifa.com/tickets.
( With inputs from ANI )
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