International match on Bismillah Khan's birthday

Varanasi, Sep 17 (UNI) Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today announced that an international soccer match would be held here every year on the birthday of shehnai legend Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan.

''The whole world knows about the musical mastery of Khan Sahib, but very few have any notion about him being one of the best defenders the Banaras Sporting Club ever produced,'' Mr Dasmunsi, also the president of All India Football Federation, said.

''From next year onwards an international match would be organised annually on March 21, the birthday of the Bharat Ratna,'' he maintained, while addressing a programme at the Mahatama Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University here.

Mr Dasmunsi, who visited the shehnai king's residence in Sarai Harha here had promised to announce something big for the world of music to pay tribute to Khan Sahib in New Delhi on September 19.

Meanwhile, Mr Dasmunsi added the recent meeting between Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would go a long way in boosting the fortunes of national soccer.

The AIFF president, however, stopped short of saying anything about Brazlian coach for Indian team.

''A decision is yet to be taken on this issue,'' he said.

It was due to the efforts of Mr Dasmunsi, that the PM took up with Brazilian president, the prospects of Brazilian soccer specialists training Indian players and coaches.

UNI ARS ATI AY BS1841