The FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy that is poised to be won by the world's best youth team on 28th October at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata is set to go on a tour of the host cities.
FIFA U-17 World Cup: All you need to know about the venues
Fans in New Delhi, where India's group stage matches are scheduled to be held, will be the first to get their eyes on the glittering prize on it's 9,000 km journey across the country from August 17 to September 26.
Where to catch the trophy experience?
| Dates | Venue |
|---|---|
| 17-22 August | New Delhi |
| 24-29 August | Guwahati |
| 31 Aug-5 Sep | Kolkata |
| 6-10 September | Mumbai |
| 14-19 September | Goa |
| 21-26 September | Kochi |
The trophy will be kept in the following iconic places in the respective cities.
- Delhi - India Gate
- Guwahati - Nehru Park
- Kolkata - Eco Park
- Mumbai - Gateway of India
- Goa - Maquinez Palace Grounds
- Kochi - Fort Kochi
With the dates and venues announced by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and FIFA, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel, who is also the Chairman of the LOC, described the event as a 'once-in-a-lifetime chance' for Indian football fans.
"The trophy experience will mark the last phase of our event promotion and it is very important because it will give the fans around the country the opportunity to get up close to the same official winner's trophy that the captain of the winning team will be lifting on 28 October in Kolkata. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chace and we hope that people can come in large numbers to the display locations in the host cities," he stated.
The FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc'h added, "This initiative is about bringing the excitement of the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy experience closer to India's fans in the run up to this milestone competition. The trophy embodies both the dreams of the best U-17 players in the world and those of millions of Indian fans who will be hosting the follball world in October."
The U-17 World Cup will be hosted by India from October 6-28 with matches to be held in six cities across the country where 24 countries from six confederations will be competing for one of the biggest honours in youth football.