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[caption id="attachment_23278" align="alignnone" width="580"] India is a passionate football giant says Fifa President Gianni Infantino. Source : Twitter[/caption] Internet Desk : Mr. Gianni Infantino who is visiting India for the first time since being elected the FIFA President said on Tuesday  that Indian Football is “moving in the right direction and is a passionate giant now” under the leadership of Mr. Praful Patel, President of All India Football Federation. Regarding merging of ISL and I-League Infantino said,” I have full faith in Mr. Patel and he will match the legacy and have a perfect marriage of the whole matter”. India on the other hand have put forward 3 wishlists to the Fifa President. They are1) organising the U-20 football World cup, 2) hosting the club world cup and 3) A National training Centre under the guidance of FIFA. Speaking at a Round Table organised in Panjim, Mr. Infantino lauded AIFF’s professional approach towards the development of the game. “There is a professional approach and Indian Football under Mr. Patel’s leadership is moving ahead in the right direction,” he stated. He also stated that,” We are here to make India a football country and super-power, We have to develop together how to take football forward” Besides the FIFA President, Mr. Patel, AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa were also present on the occasion, as were AIFF Vice-Presidents and many other notable dignitaries. Thanking FIFA and AFC for their support, Mr. Patel mentioned that “given the populace and dimensions, India is no less than a Continent.” The detailed 90 minute Round Table highlighted on AIFF’s Strategic Plan, Lakshya, the initiatives taken and milestones achieved in Youth Development, Grassroots, Women’s Football and Integrity. AFC President Shaikh Salman who was also present in the occasion praised India for successfully organising the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016. “India stays one of our top priority destinations. Hence, we are back in India in less than a year,” he said. “I was at the Stadium the other day and was impressed with both the organisation and the Indian U-16 Indian Team’s performance.” He added later. The AFC Annual Awards were held in the Capital in November 2015. “Our goal is to host the FIFA U20 World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup next so that there is continuity post the FIFA U17 World Cup India 2017 in order to inspire the Indian Football fans.” [caption id="attachment_23289" align="alignnone" width="580"] I have full faith in Mr. Patel and he will match the legacy and have a perfect marriage of the whole matter says FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Source : Twitter[/caption]   Meanwhile, it was a big day for Indian football as The FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 official emblem was launched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the presence of the Sports Minister Vijay Goel, the AFC President Sheikh Salman and the Local Organising Committee Chairman Praful Patel. The main elements of the logo are the Banyan Tree, the Kite and the Starburst. The banyan tree is the national tree of India and deeply rooted in our ethos and culture. Rural communities traditionally gather under the banyan tree and all major decisions happen in its shade. The kite is the symbol of freedom and fun. Kite flying and festivals are a part of the culture in almost every Indian state. The kite represents the soaring aspirations of our young and vibrant democra​cy. The starburst brings in the festivity and celebration, such an integral part of every event in India. With the U'17 World Cup, football lovers will get an opportunity to add one more festival to their calendar of celebrations, the festival of football.