PM inaugurates National League

New Delhi, Jan 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today inaugurated the 11th National Football League here.

Dr Singh expressed happiness on private sponsors coming forward to support the game.

''It is a positive trend that public interest and sponsorship are growing in sports other than cricket, he said.

''We have a long tradition of playing football in India and in the past, we have done well in the Olympic and Asian Games. However, in recent years, a need has been felt to professionalise this important sport in India.'' The Prime Minister said FIFA President Sepp Blatter had proposed the idea of a special plan for India to raise the standard of the game in the country, adding ''we should pool all our resources in this direction.'' He also mentioned the new initiative towards cooperation between India and Brazil in the field of football which he raised during his visit to the South American country last year.

Dr Singh was also introduced to Doha Asian Games medal winners who belong to ONGC, the title sponsors of the tournament.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were also present on the occasion.

The 11th edition of the National Football League coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the AIFF.

UNI