Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate FIFA U17 WC

The U-17 World Cup will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, while it is also learnt that the Union Sports Ministry has purchased more than 20,000 tickets for the inaugural match.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is was teeming with security men ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, one understands, is expected to be packed for the India-United States match that kicks off the FIFA under-17 World Cup here on Friday.

Not that the organisers have managed to attract buyers. It is the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration that has set the official machinery working overtime.

READ: FIFA U17 WC: A test of India’s defensive skills against USA’s attack

To avoid the embarrassment of empty galleries, it is learnt the administration has launched a drive to fill up the stands by transporting school students from neighbouring towns.

Ticket sales have been reportedly disappointing and deserted counters reflected it well near the venue. The Union Sports Ministry is learnt to have purchased more than twenty thousand tickets for the inaugural match and the arrangement is said to be the same for the next two India matches.

The arena was teeming with security men and the overwhelming presence of police was in keeping with sporting events in the Capital. The mood was summed up well by a veteran football lover. “These stifling restrictions keep the genuine fans away.”