FFI to set up National Football Academy in Bhondsi

Gurgaon, Feb 28 (UNI) The Football Federation of India will set up ONGC Rajiv Gandhi National Football Academy in Bhondsi village of this district.

This was announced by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dass Munsi who is president of Football Federation of India while speaking on the occasion of ONGC Super Cup Football Match organised in Devi Lal Stadium here last evening.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda who was the Chief Guest on the occasion welcomed the announcement of Mr Munsi and assured of all help from the state government.

Reacting on the demand of Haryana Football Association President and MP Deepender Singh Hooda, the Chief Minister assured to open football nurseries in villages of the state to promote the game in rural areas.

He appreciated the efforts made by Haryana Football Association for promoting the football game in the state. "It is due to the persistent efforts of the Haryana Football Association that the Haryana football team won the Junior National Football Championship this year whereas earlier Haryana used to get 20th position in National football," Mr Hooda said.

Highlighting the steps taken by the state government to develop sports infrastructure in the state, the Chief Minister said that sports stadiums were being constructed in 154 villages at a cost of Rs 76 crore so that the outstanding players in rural areas could be brought up properly.

He said that an amount Rs 40 crore was being spent by the state government on improving sports infrastructure during this current financial year.

UNI PS VN1413